AV ProductionWorld

Festina Lente has become my new mantra: being fast by going slowly.  As independent artists, we wear many hats either by choice or necessity.  We may be publicists in the morning; teachers in the afternoon; on stage at night; then we return home to create.  For many, it is instinctive to rush into a project.  We may feel the constraint of being limited to twenty-four hours in a day or we may want the immediate gratification of expressing our ideas to an audience.  We usually waste more time by directionless multi-tasking or going too fast without a plan.  Be fast by going slowly.  Slow is not lazy.

Here are six steps to help you slow down and get through your next project with more efficiency.

Stretch.  It is easy for creative individuals to get stuck in their heads.  A couple of minutes of slow stretching will help you be in your body and open up your awareness.  Taking breaks from working to stretch can be revitalizing and reduce back pain and fatigue.

Make a cup of tea, sit down and enjoy it.  The simple act of making and sipping hot tea forces you to slow down.  (If you insist on multi-tasking, do the breathing exercises and stretches while waiting for the water to boil.)

2.  SIZE UP
Before diving head first into your task, stop to size up the situation.  What exactly are you trying to accomplish?  Are you editing a series of clips for a client?  Are you producing your masterpiece?  Is there a deadline?  (If not, set one.)  Will you need to collaborate with others to complete the project?   Once you have answered these questions, it’s time to map out a course of action.

3.  THE PLAN
You have identified your destination during the size up process, now it is time to determine the best way to get there.  Reduce your goal(s) into smaller, bite size steps so that you do not feel overwhelmed.  How much time will you spend on each task?  How will you know when it is time to move on to the next?  Having a plan will separate the clutter so you can focus your energy on what's essential.  Write the plan down and place it where you can see it.

4.   TAKE ACTION
Now you know where you are going and you have a map to get there.  Time to take action.  Transform that potential energy into kinetic energy.

5.  EVALUATE THE SITUATION
Commit to sticking with a plan for a certain amount of time or through a certain number of steps.  Then step back and evaluate how things are working.  Are you headed in the right direction?  If it seems like your train has derailed, stop.  Reexamine your plan.  What’s not working?  What needs to be readjusted?  Make the appropriate changes and get back on track.

6.  PROCEED TO THE FINISH
Once you have evaluated the situation and made necessary adjustments, it’s time to proceed to the finish line.

Like most things, becoming more efficient takes practice.  You must be committed to breaking old habits and have patience with yourself as you work out the kinks with the new methods.

Festina Lente is all about the art of being fast, by going slowly.  Each week this column will explore new ideas on how to help creative people work more efficiently.  If you have comments or suggestions, please let us know.