Context Trap

It’s a well known fact that context switching is expensive. It takes a while to ramp your mind into a different task when you’ve been working on another one. Work on project A, work some more, grind away. Now, switch to project B! Nope! Still thinking about A.

I don’t want to complain about the challenges of context switching. In fact I enjoy it, keeping lots of plates spinning at once. If I don’t, I tend to get bored. But therein lies the flaw! I need to make sure to avoid escape from”the busy trap” – doing a bunch of extra stuff voluntarily, because of a need to feel busy. I’m not talking about my one month blogging (and running) challenge that subsequently became a bet, probably for the best. That’s been good, and if anything has forced me to produce something on a daily basis, developing into a good habit, not to mention running 23 miles so far.

I’m enjoying that change and want to channel it into something else. My current monthly burn-rate is too high to go 100% on some non-immediate-income-producing idea, so that’s out. I have some savings but the thought of watching it dwindle while I spend all my time on something that doesn’t immediately generate cashflow is painful.

In August I’m going to suspend the blog-every-day challenge and re-dedicate that extra time to producing a product. Maybe another bet is in order? Working on what your used to is familiar and easy. Working on the important stuff is an exercise in self discipline. The next step is to simplify. And then keep things simple. That requires true discipline.

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