The catastrophic earthquake in Chile changed something I’m sure few people ever even thought was possible.

Time.

Apparently, our days are now 1.26 milliseconds shorter as a result of the massive trembler, due to the earth being thrown off its axis by about 3 inches.

Now, I know, some of you are freaking out about this. Oh my God, there isn’t enough time in the day as it is! Now it’s even shorter!?!

Yes it is. And I think that’s a good thing. I just wish it was by more than 1200 or so microseconds.

A shorter day means less time to second-guess, less time to tinker, less time to screw stuff up.

When you have less time, you focus. You feel the pressure of the impending deadline and get to work. You are forced to forgo formalities and get something out the door that works.

Yes, you need time to actually do the work. But the law of diminishing returns sets in fast.

Ever get briefed on a project where you actually have a few weeks to think about it? I know, that hardly seems to happen these days, but when it does, it usually just means you have more time to take a great idea and polish it until it looks like a turd.

Time is often the enemy of creativity (just don’t mention that to my account team, please). We all work best under pressure. It allows our brains to clear away all the negative, imagination-sapping noise and do its job.

Of course, none of this works if you still insist on the same 10-step review process along the way. Everyone needs to embrace the faster-is-better mantra.

A couple of wise men once said, “I feel the need, the need for speed.” If you’re not up for it? Get the hell out of the way.

- TJ Bennett