A powerful way to unleash your natural creativity | Tim Harford

What can we learn from the world's most enduringly creative people? They "slow-motion multitask," actively juggling multiple projects and moving between topics as the mood strikes -- without feeling hurried. Author Tim Harford shares how innovators like Einstein, Darwin, Twyla Tharp and Michael Crichton found their inspiration and productivity through cross-training their minds.
Check out more TED Talks: www.ted.com
The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and more.
Follow TED on Twitter: / tedtalks
Like TED on Facebook: / ted
Subscribe to our channel: / ted

[@thaovythai7067]

4:47 "Creativity often comes when you take an idea from its original context and you move it somewhere else." Wow that's the best definition of creativity I've ever heard! 👏

[@briannaboo4605]

When did he say this?

[@thaovythai7067]

@@briannaboo4605 4:47

[@adil4402]

this is called inspiration my friend.

[@gilthunder1737]

@@adil4402 real artist Don't copy ,he steals the work. That's what he meant at that time lapse

[@ashutoshpandey2382]

What does it means?

[@ronb4838]

I really, really thank you, because all the time I kinda hated myself for having too much interests, which would disable me to gain mastery in any of these, but maybe exactly that could be my greatest strength. So thanks for letting me realizing it.

[@OutdeBoxLife]

Yes, quite true... Even I used to feel that way for a large part of my early life... Cheers to multitasking

[@OutdeBoxLife]

A nice talk... That's done a lot reenforcement for my constant multitasking urges...

[@soniak2721]

I used to beat myself over not being able to 'master' anything. I had friends who found their calling in life years ago and I am still here, switching between interests regularly. I never realised it is something not only completely normal but also incredibly useful in my field of study (theatre). This talk has saved my sanity.

[@fernandadutra5217]

I think the same! Glad for not be alone

[@meecosha4936]

I am the same! This talk added to my hopes a lot ❤️

[@nano-books307]

Creativity is a valuable skill that should be formally taught.

[@Symphing12]

Somehow, I feel like that would destroy the concept

[@miriamrichmond1716]

I agree that creativity is an extremely valuable skill, although, I disagree that it should be formally taught. Not everything in life needs to be taught in a classroom. Why do we try to force certain natural human skills and morals into some sort of formal schooling? I think we are naturally creative and curious creatures! We have these skills built into us and they are fed by freedom; in your thinking, to follow your interests and to just live life and experience the world in your own way and your own time. Formal schooling of these kind of skills would destroy them. Learning is so natural to us, why do people underestimate our natural ability to learn so much and think we somehow need to be shown or spoon fed information in order to learn anything. This is just my opinion, I'm open to hearing anyone else's :)))

[@luisvelax8143]

That's right.🔥🔥

[@enclaveenthusiast8908]

Creativity is indeed a valuable skill but if we were to teach it in a way that has limitations, it will be a bit difficult to harness creativity. Let's admit it, formal schooling doesn't teach everything. Not all knowledge comes from schools. It all depends on the person learning, if he/she were given freedom to dig deep into their minds then they can enhance their creativity. They must learn it themselves rather than having someone else teach it to them, it all comes down to developing their minds. Also, the fact that formal schooling includes setting certain criterias, we are not really sure if the critic fully understands the whole work or project. It can be used as reference on where to improve yes, but what it doesn't tell is how much of an improvement you need. It simply sets a certain goal to be completed, which should not even exist. Because of this, it limits the person's freedom in making creative works or ideas.

[@michaelscott8991]

@@miriamrichmond1716 I whole heartily agree to this! I write lyrics with zero education and though it may not be great to anyone else but me 😂 throughout the years of experiencing life and the freedom to learn at my own pace ive seen development and improvement that simply made me astonished at myself. The reason i agreed with you is because I spent hours and hours doing research on creativity and for a good time I felt I was writing the way someone else would. So I would like to add to this comment. Creativity i dont think could really be taught but the idea of creativity could be. Example: If someone told you listening to all different types of music could inspire creativity within your lyrics or flow, it may not work for you but it could work for others.. But its soo much more complex than that. You could randomly bump into a person who said 10 words you never heard before and it may spark some creativity. You could experience trauma, ecstasy, or just a 5 second sensation from lets say a leaf falling slowly could turn on that creativity switch. Ive learned my creativity comes most from learning new things. I wouldn't say that I necessarily agreed with some ideas or opinions but more my own thoughts and outlook of the experience. I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions 💯 and thank you for posting this comment!

[@jezzermeii]

Biggest takeaway from this video is something that I think we are all aware of anyway. Enjoy life. Yes, it sounds simple, but so few people do. Simply move towards things that you enjoy, and distance yourself from things that you don't. The more you enjoy something, the 'better' you become at it. The more things you enjoy, the more similarities you can see across all of those subjects. Let's try to stop looking for that holy grail meaning for existence, because there isn't one. No one and nothing matters. Only your relative enjoyment and happiness does. The happy individual is a powerful person indeed. Perhaps this is why the media would rather you live in fear, because a scared and uncreative populus is an easy to control one. Just my two cents.

[@carysbrown5277]

Wow 🙏

[@an1megraphics627]

Nietzsche are you still alive?

[@jezzermeii]

@@an1megraphics627 Alive and kicking boy! ;)

[@an1megraphics627]

@@jezzermeii good for you

[@mrpowell1000]

Thanks for the reminder. My sentiment exactly. 🌸

[@yahalife]

"Creativity is intelligence having fun." -- Albert Einstein

[@tracybrennan4194]

Back in 1987 I was a freshman in college. I opened up the college catalog and was excited by EVERYTHING. I wanted to take classes all over the campus. However, I was told that I needed to pick a major, and by end of sophomore year I was derailed. I chose to take time off to “find myself”. Now I’m 54 and have never finished my BS/BA. If I could take everything that I found exciting without putting myself into a box, I’d have a triple doctorate by now. I understand the need to specialize…but I also think you learn at a deeper level when you can discover how different subjects can be similar. I’m disgruntled that our current educational system doesn’t foster the love of learning because it forces us into predictable boxes.

[@lartist-jk8fp]

Same here...

[@Lunareon]

Indeed, exposing yourself to various things is good for your brain. Life is an ongoing process of change and should be treated as such. Getting stuck at repeating the same things will absolutely kill your creativity. Thank you for this great talk!

[@dejankovacevic2854]

🤠⚛️💫🧩🎛️

[@ZenJenZ]

Slow Motion Multitasking sounds like being completely mindful at all times.

[@mayanksharmification]

Broad interests but also working on broad range of projects so that you can switch when you feel a block.

[@MsDreamzuk]

Thank you. I no longer feel like a freak for having so many interests and projects on the go! I started to write my ideas in notes in folders on my phone. It's helped my focus. I have also started to journal, plan and schedule my time for different projects :)

[@kramarancko1107]

What kind of projects do you do

[@MsDreamzuk]

@@kramarancko1107 CAD & interior design projects. Also I have an online shop called Furnship. What do you do?

[@Be_kaws]

Me too!

[@lilianarovegno3876]

I have a ballet academy for 31 years. Besides I speak 5 languages. Sing opera and in church and write books for children. Yes ,it is posible, the name is : love for the process

[@giselamora593]

It's so refreshing to hear this. Since I was a kid I've been called out for starting projects and not finishing them and at the time I felt guilty about this. Now, thinking back it it was the natural thing to do since I am a heavy slow multitasker and there was no way to finish ALL the things I started, even though in the end the things I've learnt some way or the other stayed in my life. It's most difficult for me though to choose how I spend my time and to compromise with something now it's become a work of observation to see where I naturally lean on.

[@lisamariaartista]

I'm so grateful to have received this information through this talk. It has given me permission to move where my inspiration takes me each day. I always viewed myself as unfocused or not serious enough when I move on to another project completely unrelated. Great to know I'm in good company 🙂

[@notbrianyt440]

it’s like when you teacher says don’t focus on a question to long move on to another then come back to it later

[@rkadeye4270]

yup. 👏🏾 You waste more time staying stuck on one question then just moving on and coming back later

[@innes108]

Inspiring. This man really puts a new twist on creativity. Encouraging us to never give up on our creative ideas and endeavors.

[@Namtrendingvideos]

Very interesting being a student of Tim Ferris. I loved the way he brought his argument forward.

[@Vincelen]

‘ Secret of creativity is multitasking in slow-motion’ *pooooooof* I’m blown. I thought multi-tasking is not good 😬 therefore resulting to not being good/focussed at everything I multitask on... but I’ve always believed that I become better when I multitask. I just can’t seem to figure out how.. but now there we go...

[@annonymsurfer3189]

i suppose it's not multitasking, calling it "slow-motion multitasking" is just labelling it as something that it's not. Multitasking is when you do 2 or more think at the same time. Jumping between projects is not multitasking, but it's good for the brain since the brain receives new information and has time to process the old information.

[@sourcedrop7624]

I'm the same way. When I get stuck on one thing I switch onto something else and when I come back to the previous thing my subconscious has figured a bunch of stuff out by then.

[@villainoir]

I think this is similar to the idea of polymath or 'the renaissance man' who excels at multiple subjects

[@britbop4786]

I think what he discussed here is quite common knowledge: To be a creative thinker, you need to "explore" different fields. However, if you want to become a master at something, you need lazer focus on a particular path/field.

[@elpanchitoruso]

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts

[@vonfalckenstein9266]

Churchill

[@astridmartin3736]

Don't often like quotes but I love this one

[@elizabethrosetheatre7822]

"You have to be all things" - love it

[@BeautifulNaturalDramatic]

Brilliant! A compelling and concise delivery. Pragmatic, practical and accessible. Thoroughly enjoyable.

[@Connectingthedots.]

Thank you for creating this video. It is so important for us to not loose touch with our creativity. Slow motion multi tasking has actually impacted my life is such a profound way. I am able to complete tasks faster, with more passion and creativity, as well as not get overwhelmed, loose interest and stressed. In my new found love for creativity and multi tasking, I have been able to open up and complete more. One of my latest interests is my new KZbin channel, and I recently did a video on the role of creativity in our every day lives and its connection with our energy centres. TED is an amazing channel and I aspire to be as amazing one day! Wishing everyone a beautiful and creative day!

[@-Slinger-]

As a person with ADD I'm an expert at slow motion multitasking. Finishing all tasks is another topic though 😅

[@ontherockswithsalt560]

This.

[@lifeisagameofknowingyourro6327]

Drink red bull

[@darthlynx5792]

Yo this me irl

[@kadenkubicz1995]

YES

[@walkastray007]

I often find myself when I focus on other subjects than the one I love the most. When I come back to the one I love the most I feel smarter and feel I perform better. It's crazy how I'm only finding this video now!

[@naibo8249]

Same here!

[@VIVEMusic]

Powerful concept! And I think I'm currently doing this, having multiple creative endeavours that keep me on the edge and dynamic!

[@RavenPH12]

Basically, good time management, taking note of every idea that came up, and organization. I work on my passion projects for 15-60 mins. when I got bored in rewriting my notes or studying for an exam. My passion project could be on photography, voice training, writing a book, or film making. When inspiration hits during a lecture, I took note of it and then work on it for at most 10 mins then go back to my main thing.

[@sixtymilemotivation5906]

This is such an interesting concept. It’s seems counter intuitive yet also completely relevant. Great stuff!

[@alphastrength3402]

Creativity is very important for youtubers, like me, in order to get out of the pattern you have to be creative and find new ways of doing things, this is very helpfull for me

[@AmyandAlex]

Sat here listening to this and adding things to a video edit. Not quite the multi-tasking Tim was talking about but I completely agree with what he said. Leaving something and going off to do something different always gives me clarity or a new idea or a solution to the thing I was working on before. Slow motion multi-tasking is a great way of putting it! Great talk!

[@bekacynthia]

This is one of the most fascinating things I’ve ever seen. Feels like he made this for me. Throughout my life I couldn’t focus on one thing and couldn’t complete any course, because I like so many things. And everything has to be done now, quickly and in a hurry. I started to feel depressed because I still don’t know what I want. I want many things. Thank you, sir, for this video.

[@mimiseton]

Thank you! This is a description of the way I operate! And now, instead of accusing myself of having a short attention span (which isn't true) I see that I am a slow-motion multi-tasker and this may be why I'm the creativity coach instead of the creativity student! :-). I shall credit you when I recycle your idea.

[@athiraj3908]

Wow !! The way he articulated the whole idea is amazing,the best presenter ,story teller and the best salesman he could be and thanks for the idea appreciate it

[@ohflamingo6905]

Thank you so much for this. I always thought it is bad to have so many interests, I even thought about giving up some of my passions just because it didn't have anything to do with another one. You always hear sth like "you need to focus one one thing and become good at that one thing", which I definitely do the opposite. I want everything!

[@saram7614]

This really makes me motivated to get into everything that I find interesting, I always was stopped by the idea that that way I ultimately wouldn’t get anywhere if I just kept switching so often, but it does indeed have benefits

[@sunofdawn3237]

so inspirational and helpful in a time of anxiety and creative block. thank you.

[@reclaimingsuccess7002]

Slow motion multitasking. Mind blown!! Great video

[@taracate88]

I have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and add. If I didn’t live where I had several projects going at once, I would not function as a person in society. I am so glad someone has taken something I’ve been doing for survival without even being aware of it, and understanding the purpose and potential value behind it. I have an idea that if you could understand mental illness, you can take bits of each diagnosis and put the treatments together and get the information you need to be able to solve anything a person can mentally suffer, like a manual. Instead of looking at mental illnesses like they are mutations, I would understand what went wrong and how to fix it and then prevent it from happening again. If people are only told they are doing something wrong, when are they going to learn what is correct?

[@pamelatanner788]

Thank you for this inspiring talk. The examples are wonderful!

[@TheRunningArtistBruceKatlin]

I have found that doing two things at once, (in my case trail running and landscape painting) increase creativity, divergent thinking and mood.

[@ryan.perhaps]

This is what’s explained in the book “Range,” it’s about learning a range of different fields of work, experimenting with what you like and (whether you know it or not) apply to a different field of work. Kobe suggested it before he passed and I think it’s a gem.

[@elpanchitoruso]

"One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood."

[@bubbles0216]

I do this. One aspect where ADHD is a gift. Start on first project, and take a break to do next project, then come back to first project before the burnout sets in, while also working on the day-to-day in between. I am most productive this way. I waste time if I try to do some things start to finish in a short time. The trick for me is to spend the right amount of time on it - enough to focus, but un-focus when I hit a stopping point or a block so I can maintain clarity for each set of tasks.

[@burcgurel2268]

A beautiful speech, thank you.

[@lisabearsley1715]

I have a creative project that's been in the making for 40 years. I must get it out of its box. Thanks for the reminder.

[@Toofty]

Is slow motion multitasking just having broad interests?

[@IfyUploaded]

I’ve spent my entire adult life fighting the urge to slow-motion multitask because it’s counter to what we’re told/learn is the “right” way to progress. “A change is as good as a rest” as they say. Some of us need that rest, or as I like to see it incubation time, where the subconscious does a lot of the work for us. Slow-motion multitasking just feels intuitive to me, and everytime I try to fight it I just end up getting in my way. I come back to this video often as a reminder of that. Thanks Tim for justifying why some of us should embrace this work style.

[@dicasdicis2580]

Be curious, keep exploring.. keep discovering.. never stop

[@chloekitching]

Great inspiring speech! This was helpful for me.

[@timgo2345]

This is the content I am subscribed for

[@RitaJC]

My life would not be possible without this kind of multitasking

[@user-gf7ee5pq4t]

the most informative Ted video for me, who are struggling mathmatical problem such as solving with algebraic geometty.

[@nafisrehman5997]

""Your Rockets keep crashing""-Elon Musk ""Nobody wants to publish your book about a school of Wizards""-J.K Rowling

[@miladliavoley9634]

awesome speech. especially when he said, "forget wrong answer".

[@samann95014]

I am doing slow-motion multitasking while watching this TED video. I do that all the time. No wonder why I'm so creative. LOL.

[@amberz2263]

I always felt stuck becuase I had so much interest and things I do most of the time but I always felt forced to try so many and master none, the jack of all trades. Mastering my strengths and then it opening more options for my creative growth is so amazing. This helps me feel less insecure about feeling stagnant, I'm a work in progress and that will reflect in the best way.

[@mpking-ey7ys]

You don't hear about the millions of people who do 'slow-motion multitasking' but never finish anything, do you?

[@ontherockswithsalt560]

Of course you do. They have a disease called ADD.

[@vivthefree]

Look, man, the top scientists of the day, who were brilliant enough to focus on several topics, switched topics often. And it's definitely because they switched often.

[@Profile.4]

@@ontherockswithsalt560 that's not a disease that's a mental epidemic caused by technology

[@RakoonCD]

I am one of them.

[@creativecompanion]

They are called moms, and yes, their work is never done.

[@lamiasouayah5777]

Thank you very much for this speach. You give us the secret of creativity!

[@user-rb2dt4qy3y]

this is the content i desperately need! i've been feeling uncreative because of demotivation to work on creative projects. but now, i am determined to work on my creativity and let it bloom to the best of my capacity.

[@ericachungmd8163]

I LOVED your content!!! I am given the liberty to not have to succeed quickly with one endeavor. Also the liberty to dive into another interest that takes time to learn and master overtime! THANK YOU!

[@lisengel2498]

Very inspiring talk - I see it as a playfull way of following your passion and cureosity

[@sarahal3890]

What a beautiful talk!

[@phillis9767]

Does multitasking lead to creativity or the creative mind enables you to multitask?

[@valentinoreid9253]

Neither. The fear is what makes people start multitasking and being creative and love is what keeps it sustained.

[@theaxisofinsight]

Sounds like a chicken and egg problem.

[@RTL2L]

The creative mind enables you to multitask

[@phillis9767]

@@theaxisofinsight If I remember it correctly scientists concluded that eggs came before chicken 😅

[@pcg259]

Multitasking itself is an act of creativity. While it is the art of management, the creative people are going to do it

[@creativecompanion]

One of my fav ted talks.

[@lyssasletters3232]

Very validating! Thank you!!

[@MrShaggy524]

Thank you so much. One of the most epiphanic moments Ive experienced

[@deniserobinson6571]

I always said that multitasking is a myth. That doing several things at the same time is doing each thing poorly. BUT , "slow motion multi-tasking"... has made a believer of me. Awesome!

[@WolfikCZ]

I must say this really works. Thank you:)

[@magma_fire_bagwan]

Easily one of my favorite Ted Talks that I've ever seen

[@im_learning_bicth]

I don’t think ‘multitasking’ is such a great wording for the label. It’s more like having multiple interests, so you can take a breather from one you’re stuck in. I guess the the speaker saw having a project/hobby as a task thus the ‘multitasking’. However, the talk give insight to how everything, can be connected in one way or the other. Similar to how having multiple experts from varying fields can help give a better overall picture. Thank you for the video ❤️

[@auniquehandle]

It's multiple monotasking not multitasking

[@im_learning_bicth]

Myrrah Well said 😄

[@kailaperez2814]

I really enjoyed this video. Thank you.

[@rechellesaavedra9318]

Awesome talk. Nothing done well is insignificant. Pay attention to the signals when they show up in your life and let no challenge stop you.

[@JayBenjamin9214]

What a great talk! I loved it.

[@abrhamweldeyohannes1740]

I defiantly agree with this...great teaching

[@road2abundance]

They say I am a master of none because I have many interests but I see a light on this...

[@Crypto_Ghost1]

Question is what should be the time gap between two tasks?

[@pebblenapkins]

feel it out

[@rechellesaavedra9318]

When you have more interest in doing the next task and it calls out to you put the first task on hold. See where you go from there and repeat.

[@afert4095]

the time you need for the third task

[@meezy3188]

Good and important question 💯

[@astridmartin3736]

At some point he mentioned "however the mood swings" so I don't think you really need to worry about for how long you must work on one thing before changing the topic. I think you should do whatever you feel like. And it often happens that if you don't work on one project for long enough it kinda goes out of hand and you think to yourself that hmm maybe nothing would come out of it now but ig what I took away from this was that I still shouldn't let those older projects go and just let them sit around until sometime I feel like diving back in or maybe the first step to dive back in would have to be made voluntarily but once you're in, it's easier to swich however you feel lile

[@shalinikirrths5144]

This is what I wanted . Thank u sir 💛

[@charlieahmen6348]

this is so amazing

[@CerenTurkmenoglu]

Brilliant talk and research.

[@pcg259]

Creativity is substitute to Philosophy, creation is the art piece and elements of creation are science

[@CyberCheese392]

Philosophy is a study of reality, creativity is something a baby can do.

[@sarvfatehsingh8531]

Damn bro!!!

[@pcg259]

I was serious :)@@sarvfatehsingh8531

[@pcg259]

True, but reality itself is science …...@@CyberCheese392. Science is knowing, while art is doing…..and philosophy bridges these two together!!!

[@CyberCheese392]

@@pcg259 Art and science will never contribute to things such as ethics or morality.

[@tanjiro57]

Such a great video. I hope it gets millions of views.

[@ricardonichols6109]

Fascinating. will put it into practice.

[@universekenichi129]

Before I watching this video, i'd thought oh multi-tasking, those who can do it sounds " okay they are simply effecient and maybe great " and socially accepted much more but at the same time, sometime some question hit me , such as did they really commit to one project or one study whatever it may concern, however, baking in the days in past, I realized I shifted my work type or studying subject whenever I feel oh that's enough or I'm in stuck, there's no point in keeping on thinking. Then I shift from one to anothe. As he mentioned, it clears our mind. It gives us atypical thinking process, like an unique idea pops up abruptly off the basic rules, in other words, It may cause paradigmatic shift you know. As such, It enables us to conflate ideas which are totally different through multi-tasking. But one note is that when we pay attention to, our momentum goes more and more separated. To some extend, it lose reality, coherence, specificity, and cause chaos. So it's better to keep within one or a bit more frames while multi-tasking and keep not to rush.

[@GSPV33]

This is a great one.

[@theconjuredcourt6057]

"its easier to think outside the box if you spend your time clambering from one box into another." that is such a great quotes

[@billlaren2452]

Now i can multitask between looking up pictures of cows and petting my dogs. So epic. Thank you so much

[@navyasinghal1143]

Thank you so much

[@MaJoRMJR]

I hadn't given it much thought before, but listening to this video made me realise that I do this

[@hadensnodgrass3472]

Great video. Very interesting, slow-motion multitasking is a bit of a drone, but I like the idea.

[@NorlynCodes]

I have encountered a few happy people who really enjoy what they're doing. They are powerful indeed. It seems like they are in control.

[@lisengel2498]

And great withboxes for not forgetting all the good ideas and inspirations that pops up all the time when you start slow motion multitasking-dreaming

[@anything9276]

one of the greatest talks of all time

[@mouniakassab2344]

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT . THANK YOU VERY MUCH .

[@lilousoulier3458]

Thank you so much!

[@reneeortiz421]

Wow ... I'm more motivated when I multi-task

[@gilthunder1737]

I got something from this video which I always thought was impossible.... After watching this, I'm sure something will change in my lifestyle , Thnx a bunch Ted talk

[@helenascribe210]

This makes me feel better. I have a several art oroj cts and a book on the go and alternate amongst them all who knew, I'm actually not scatterbrained, I'm creative!

[@nagmanikumar3817]

After watching this video I feel like I could do more than what I'm now...

[@varunahlawat9013]

Ahh, that filled me with confidence, and naturally that's exactly what I'm doing in the year from that I've taken after completing my 12th standard. Currently writing a book, working on an algorithm(a science paper), learning machine learning, statistics and web development...

[@ismaharry]

5:33, "Multitasking is great because it helps you unleash other skills in other fields, too". That's right. I was going to music for 7 seven years, thanks to my parents, and for this time I learned off the way to play it properly, earning seas of diplomas and etc. Thanks to my teacher, obviously. And yeah, i mean, if you can play the piano, you can master playing on violin, too. Therefore, it's so astounding to be multitasking; it simply opens up new routes for your progress.

[@ayushmohann]

4:53 thinking Outside the box Kya khubsurat baat kahi hain ♥️

[@miratussany]

Thank you Tim