Hello, lovelies. Yes, two posts in one day. Sometimes in the shower one has thoughts they need to share, but since I can't bring you all in there with me, I had to wait to tell you what was on my mind, and here it is.
I read a brilliant article in Fast Company this week on what they're calling "Generation Flux", which denotes those people, regardless of age, race, or sex that fully embrace change, agent change, and allow the constant changes of the world excite and motivate them. I have so much admiration for people who think in innovative ways and are not bogged down by playing by the rules. I feel lucky that I worked at a place called CP+B that was very much like that- we were making it up as we went along, together, from the top down, and as long as you had a good idea you got to be part of the flux filled fun. It was an exciting time, and sure it almost killed me, but I wouldn't trade that experience for anything- we all made a pact to revel in chaos and that's exactly what we did. (Please don't think I'm comparing ad folks to MIT scientists- I'm merely making the point that we can all enjoy some of this fluxness if we work in the right environment at the right time).
I realized early on in my life that I love chaos. It's probably why I love New York so much- it's pure beautiful, heaving, bulgy chaos and that's just about my speed. It's chaos for the greater good though- because great ideas are born here, great food is eaten here, and great deals are done here. I have always loved chaos at work too, but only in the interest of making something great or that the excitement over an idea or project or next big thing is almost too much to bear- that your mind gets so engaged at the possiblities of doing good work that chaos ensuse, because you can't control it, nor should you. I love the flurry of it all and I can't help it. It seduces me every time.
But then there's people who don't like to play this way. They try to squash the chaos, try to make too many rules, try to kill all the fun. I'm not saying we should all work in a lawless way, but when you try too hard to get the old ducks in a row, you're going to miss all the fun. In this world, right this very minute, there is so much insanity happening, and you need to revel in the chaos. I myself find that I have to work with a television on (NY 1 mostly) or sit in a cafe with people all around me because I like the buzziness of noise, of chaos, of life. I am not one to work in a vacuum, because even as I am sitting and concentrating I need the distraction of "else", because that else may just give me a good idea.
And sure, I have chaos free zones in my life- my home is generally chaos free, everything in its place- I like to have a neat workspace too, and generally avoid chaos in my relationships with friends and my husband. And many of us go to the gym or yoga to sneak away from all the cuckoo for a bit, which is really a great idea to get some balance. But when it comes to inspiration, I'm all about it, and you shouldn't be afraid of it either. It's pretty much unavoidable so don't ever fight it, just try and go with it and smile at it and admit it may fuck you up, but it will probably make your work really good. Out of chaos comes light, and of this I am certain. Now how's that for some shower thinking on a dreary Friday in Brooklyn? Go shake things up, friends. Chaos. It's what's up, down, and all around. Life would be so boring otherwise, wouldn't it? XO