Speed matters: Why working quickly is more important than it seems
James Somers' 2015 essay argues that working quickly isn't just about efficiency, but fundamentally alters perceived costs, encouraging more action and practice. He illustrates this with examples from email to Google, suggesting speed lowers "activation energy" for tasks. Hacker News debated the nuances of this "go faster" advice, considering sustainability, quality, and the author's own ironic admission of slow writing.
The Lowdown
James Somers' 2015 essay "Speed matters: Why working quickly is more important than it seems" dives into the profound, often psychological, impact of speed on productivity and engagement. Beyond the obvious benefit of increased output, Somers contends that working quickly fundamentally alters our perception of effort, making tasks seem less daunting and thus more likely to be undertaken.
- Lowered Activation Energy: The core idea is that speed reduces the "activation energy" for tasks; if something feels quick, its perceived cost decreases, making us more inclined to start it.
- System Responsiveness: Examples range from personal habits like writing blog posts and responding to emails, to organizational behaviors like fast websites (Google search) and assigning work to quick employees. Systems that process items quickly are "fed more items," while slow systems "starve."
- Psychological Impact: A slow undo feature in a text editor, for instance, doesn't just waste time; it subtly changes workflow and reliance on the feature. The mental image of a task as a "slog" versus a quick completion heavily influences motivation.
- The Prescription: Somers advises deliberately pushing oneself to work faster on tasks one wants to master, not to be sloppy, but to lower the mental cost, encourage more practice, and ultimately become both fast and good.
- Self-Aware Irony: The author concludes with a humorous disclaimer, admitting he himself has a history of languishing projects and took six years, on and off, to write the very post advocating for speed.
Somers' essay makes a compelling case for the hidden psychological and systemic benefits of speed, reframing it as a catalyst for engagement and mastery, rather than just raw output. Despite the author's playful self-deprecation, the article provides a thought-provoking perspective on the subtle ways pace shapes our interactions with work and the world.
The Gossip
Pacing for Productivity: Speed, Sustainability, and Skill
Commenters debated the practicalities and sustainability of the 'go fast' philosophy. While some acknowledged the benefits of speed in reducing activation energy, many cautioned against the pitfalls of rushing, advocating for sustainable pacing, deliberate practice, and the adage that 'slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.' Concerns were raised about potential burnout, increased mistakes, and the risk of turning speed into a self-serving, exploitative expectation rather than a genuine productivity booster.
Broader Benefits and Bouldering Analogies
Discussion expanded on the wider implications of working quickly, suggesting that speed is crucial for relevance in a constantly changing world, as slow progress risks obsolescence. Analogies from unexpected domains, like bouldering, illustrated how speed can paradoxically conserve energy and leverage momentum. Other perspectives highlighted that 'speed' might better be understood as 'responsiveness' and 'predictability,' emphasizing clear communication as a key component of effective workflow.
The Author's Own Pace Paradox
Many readers found humor and relatability in the author's self-deprecating admission that he took six years, on and off, to write the very post advocating for working quickly. This ironic twist resonated with the Hacker News community, underscoring the universal challenge of applying one's own advice and adding a layer of charming honesty to the article.