Good morning, Wednesday. How it be?
So I heard on NPR this morning that really got my attention. It was about the nature of creativity in today's world, and how the popularity of Lego toys plays a huge role in our creative development.
We all have grown up playing with Legos, and interestingly enough, they appeal to both sides of our brains. On the left side, we've got those that like to build Legos precisely to spec- that is, if they are boxed to build an Eiffel Tower, you're guaranteed a major monument if you carefully follow the instructions.
For those right brained types, there's a more freestyle way to build and snap your favorite toy- if you are one who likes to riff and set your own interpretation of any wonder of the world or beyond, you'd most likely not pay attention to the directions and go off on your own.
From the WNYC piece online, this is truly a revelation. According to new research by business professors Page Moreau and Marit Gundersen Engset, there is a serious, meaningful, and potentially long-term difference between those who "free build," meaning they put the bricks together without a guide, and those who follow the instructions. In the lab, those who put together kits were less creative when they completed follow-up tasks. Researchers say instruction-following and free-building are two different "mindsets." And further, two different types particularly when it comes to business. Guess whom the entrepreneurial mindset belongs to, by the way.
The story then went on to say some more interesting things about our culture today- we like our boxes far beyond the world of Legoland.
We like to not think about what we want to eat and how to prepare it- thus the popularity of mail order meals ready for fixing like Blue Plate.
We like to not think about what we want to wear- thus the popularity of boxed wardrobes in the mail a la Stitch Fix and Trunk Club.
We like to not think about what we want to feed our pets or what wine we want to drink- thus the popularity of pooch packs from BarkBox or wine delivered based on our personal preference from the likes of Club W. Oh, and how about Ikea? Hasn't our whole young adult life been literally built on complex directions, often missing a part, and having a name we can't pronounce? Ikea is the ultimate example of life in a box.
In fact, if you do a quick search online, there will most likely be a box for you and anything you may want or need.
But this got me thinking about living a boxed life, and how very unappealing that is for someone like me.
I've never been a joiner. I've never followed directions. I'm not into someone curating my life for me. I've always been a very individual person-, which is not to say I'm such a trailblazer- I tend to like foods that are trending like kale and I like to eat at the restaurants where everyone else is eating and I subscribe to the church of Brooklyn the brand.
I found this story so inspiring because as we speak, I'm finishing up a rather lengthy freelance gig and thinking about what's next. Part of me wants to get into that box called full time work so I can stop thinking about where or when or what. But I don't belong in that box, and I worry about getting out of said box once I get in.
I understand that the world is a crazy, chaotic place, and the thought of a well-directed life curated by someone else that supposedly knows what you want can be comforting. But as someone who has always been my own person, with my own style, own tastes, and unique sense of self, I hate these boxes. I find them disappointing for the most part.
I like to pick things out for myself. I never buy gifts off the registry.
I've never been in a sorority. I hated being a member of Soho House. (I may try that one again, ps).
I am simply not a joiner- never have been, never will be. I am very much my own person, for better or worse.
I've always been cool with being different, and that's how I keep my creative dreams alive. I like a Lego set that doesn't come with directions; I've always been a free thinker. I like to draw my own conclusions and draw my own pictures. And though occasionally I like to know the ending, I'm more open to exploring the possibilities of a surprising outcome.
That's why, as I was getting ready for work this morning and listening to this story, I felt reassured. That somehow, my inability to draw a straight line or build to spec somehow makes me more creative, more agile, more accepting that life for me is anything but typical or expected. I'm completely content in knowing that, and it makes the unknown less terrifying.
The world is full of both types by the way, and both are necessary for our survival on this here planet. But if you are trying to shove yourself in a box when really you don't belong in one, take heed. Eventually, you're going to light those directions on fire and run screaming out of Ikea.
I may freak out again tomorrow, but for today, I'm happy to color outside the lines and build my own life; the one I'm meant to live does not come with instructions. I'm quite sure of that. It's much more important to me to be creative- that's what keeps me going and feeds me and fuels my soul. There's no rule book or guide when it comes to my life, and I'm cool with that.
Cause that's what's up this doing it my way kind of Wednesday in the 212. Yours, in being me. Don't be afraid to be you. XO