The Age of Speed by Vince Poscente:
A Book Review
December 20, 2008
The fast-paced world of technology is spinning out of control, these days. Yep. We have super-high-speed business connections to the Internet (according to commercials on TV), we have citizens of a certain age preferring text-messaging to voice, because voice means you actually have to have a conversation, and fast-food has become a family staple, although - and do correct me here if you like - it's not really "fast" anymore. It's the idea of drive-through meals that makes it attractive.
And, all of this is bad for us. So...the pundits on TV and in print will tell you. The mantra is, "Slow down!"
Vince Poscente, motivational speaker with "an invigorating perspective," is out to change how you look at speed. He looks at today's hurry up, what's up next, world differently than you and I. After reding his book, I'm ready to speed up... You will, too, if you pick up his New York Times best-seller, The Age of Speed , and read it over the holidays. Should I should mention...he's a former Olympic speed skier - he knows and understands "speed" better than most.
This book is provocative - and insightful. For instance, in Chapter Five, "Ahead of Our Own Curve," Poscente says, "Today, even when there is no clear reason to resist speed, our instincts often tell us to proceed with caution." As I read that I have to admit I was thinking, "Ok...and this is not a good thing, Vince. Speed up? I'm already close to Warp speed and not accomplishing what I need to accomplish. So, why should I speed up?" To which, further on in the chapter, he gives me my answer, "...if we continue to reject speed out of hand, we'll never be able to get ahead of it." Hmmm...
There is a certain logic in that. As the book continues, Poscente makes a credible argument for embracing the age of speed, instead of always complaining about it. This is not a one-time read. It's a book to review again and again, to use your trusty highlighter with and to engage others in conversation about.
On his website, he offers a PDF of Tips to Succeed in this twirling, whirling age of speed. I'm especially attracted to this one, "Spend Extra Time on Significant Experiences: ... Predeterimine before work or routine personal tasks to spontaneously reward yourself for finding a faster way to do something."
All in all, this book needs to be in your book shelf, nay...on your desk where you can grab it when you need it. Learn to embrace the age of speed - and, as noted on the back cover, "mentally shatter the outdated idea that work, home, and leisure should be completely separate, and create a new, purpose-driven model of organizing your time."
Because...we're here...now...and work and play are intermingled. We Twitter, we blog, we text - we live our work in ways not seen since - the days of agriculture. Remember those days? Of course, not. They're gone from our immediate vision. But, back in the day - work and play and life were all one big farm or town meeting or barn raising. It's not a bad thing. Learning to embrace it and manage it can make all the difference in the life you live in 2009.
Go forth and speed up. Hop over to Vince's blog and get more great advice.
Sarah, rest is necessary and I embrace it! Naps are a welcome respite at my house. However, I use my naps to recharge and use the advice in Poscente's book - to be more effective when I get back at the desk.
I so agree that with all the varities of "stuff" offered, we can slip into complacency and boredom. That is why Poscente's book is so useful - there are actionable bits of advice in it.
As we head into 2009, I believe many of us are less anxious for something new, and more eager to be in the world as we are.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your insight.
Posted by: Yvonne DiVita | December 25, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Humans are hardwired to rest on a regular basis. If we don’t rest, our bodies in time will normally “demand” time off as we get sick, burnt out, “crash”, etc.
I’ve noticed that having things quick, in general, has allowed our society to be more creative. After all, 50 years ago, we did not have hundreds of varieties of salad dressings to choose from in the stores. On the other hand, it has created a general sense of boredom when there is not an exciting “what’s next” on the horizon. We are less content, and more anxious for something new.
Posted by: Sarah Cook | December 20, 2008 at 01:17 PM