Messy

304 pages, 2017

Tim Harford

Takeaways

Description

Tim Harford’s new book, Messy, is about how and why clutter can be a good thing. He interviews many people who have messy desks. I, however, have a tidy desk. I keep my pens in the top left drawer, my pencils in the top right drawer and my paper clips in the bottom left drawer. I am well-organized and dislike chaos. The only things on my desk are a computer, my coffee mug, and a picture of Venus de Milo.

I admit I am a tad compulsive. But even though I dislike messes, Mr. Harford has intrigued me with his notion that messiness can be beneficial to us. Mr. Harford feels that we should embrace messiness rather than despise it because much of our modern life tends to make us too tidy—from how we communicate to our organization of files on our computers and how we plan our days.

Embrace the Chaos

Tim Harford encourages us to embrace the chaos in our lives. He suggests that a little bit of messiness can actually lead to more creativity and productivity. So, next time you find yourself in a messy situation, don't stress. Instead, see it as an opportunity to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions.

The Power of Improvisation

Harford highlights the importance of improvisation. He believes that the ability to adapt and make quick decisions in unpredictable situations is a valuable skill. So, don't be afraid to go off-script. You might just find that it leads to better results.

The Beauty of Unplanned Collaborations

In 'Messy', you'll find that unplanned collaborations often lead to the best outcomes. Harford shares numerous examples of successful partnerships that were born out of chance encounters. So, keep an open mind and be ready to collaborate with others, even if it wasn't part of your original plan.

Resilience in the Face of Disruptions

Disruptions are a part of life, but they don't have to derail your progress. Harford shows us that disruptions can actually make us more resilient and help us grow. So, the next time you face a disruption, remember that it's an opportunity to become stronger.

The Limitations of Order

While order and organization have their place, Harford argues that they can also limit our potential. He suggests that too much order can stifle creativity and prevent us from seeing new possibilities. So, don't be afraid to let things get a little messy. You might just discover something amazing.

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