In a world that never seems to slow down, the art of doing nothing might just be the key to unlocking creativity and resilience. Margaret Heffernan, a renowned writer and broadcaster with over 15 million views on her Ted Talks, sheds light on why embracing uncertainty is vital for leaders and thinkers alike.
Take the example of filmmaker Mike Leigh. After completing a project, his team is eager to jump into the next one, but Leigh understands the importance of taking a step back. "It's crucial to have time to do nothing," he says. For Leigh, this means immersing himself in the world around him - reading, exploring museums, and finding solace in solitude. It's in these moments of stillness that he asks himself: "What's going on? Where are we right now?"
With an impressive body of work including 16 feature films, 9 television plays, and 21 theatre plays, Leigh's productivity speaks for itself. But it's his unique approach to creativity, what anthropologist James Clifford calls "deep hanging out," that sets him apart. This concept involves spending time in often overlooked places, paying close attention to the vibes and surroundings, and simply being present.
Deep hanging out is more than just a leisurely activity; it's a fundamental practice for creative thinkers. It's an intuitive form of data collection, a pragmatic way to ensure a well-rounded mind, and a productive approach to uncertainty. In an era where the future is unpredictable, hanging out expands our perspective and sharpens our instincts.
Andy Haldane, former chief economist at the Bank of England, understood the limitations of data and models. He took to the streets of London, engaging in conversations with community workers and faith groups, insights that his desk job couldn't provide. "I found myself relying on stories more than statistics," he explains. "To understand people's stories, you have to listen to what's on their minds."
Haldane's experiments with deep hanging out led to a revolution at the Bank of England. By inviting diverse voices like Tamara Rojo, Grayson Perry, Doreen Lawrence, Stephen Hough, and Billy Bragg, he sparked conversations that challenged the status quo.
Heffernan emphasizes that deep hanging out is essential for creative thinking. It provides an intuitive form of data collection, allowing the mind to wander and observe, which is fundamental to innovation.
The benefits of deep hanging out extend beyond gaining a broader perspective. Starting a meeting with uncertainty and ending it with a mind buzzing with new ideas is empowering. It encourages us to embrace uncertainty, to explore it with curiosity rather than being passive.
Authors like Lee Child and Haruki Murakami understand this concept well. They begin their intricate novels without a clear plan, allowing the story to unfold as they wander with their characters. Nobel Prize-winning author Olga Tokarczuk took this approach in her murder mystery, "Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead," not knowing the identity of the killer until two-thirds of the way through.
Working through uncertainty requires curiosity and discipline. It's a skill that is becoming increasingly valuable, as evidenced by the World Economic Forum's latest jobs report, which highlights creative thinking as essential for modern businesses.
While we may not have a crystal ball to see the future, these habits of mind allow us to shape it. Yet, they are often overlooked because they don't resemble traditional work. As Mike Leigh puts it, "Nothing happening is something happening." And it's from these moments of nothingness that the next great idea springs forth.
Heffernan's new book, "Embracing Uncertainty: How Writers, Musicians and Artists Thrive in an Unpredictable World," delves deeper into this fascinating topic, offering insights into how creativity thrives in uncertain times.
