“Be regular and orderly in your life so that you may be violent and original in your work.”
Gustave Flaubert
Renowned French novelist Gustave Flaubert once wisely remarked that the key to producing truly innovative and dynamic work is maintaining a well-ordered and structured personal life. This profound quote speaks to the fundamentally interconnected nature of creative output and personal discipline – one cannot exist without the other. Indeed, history has shown us time and time again that some of the most groundbreaking and revolutionary thinkers were those who maintained strict routines and habits, allowing them the mental space and room for experimentation necessary to produce their best work. By prioritizing and implementing regularity and order daily, we can cultivate the fertile soil necessary for originality and vibrancy to take root and flourish.
The Power of Structure and Order
When we think of creativity, we often envision wild-haired artists splashing paint on canvases or musicians jamming out in impromptu sessions. It’s easy to see how being ‘regular and orderly’ could appear antithetical to creativity. However, upon closer examination, we realize that structure and discipline can enhance our creative outputs. By establishing routines and standardized procedures, we free ourselves from the burden of decision-making and instead allow our minds to wander and explore new ideas. Even free-spirited artists rely on specific structures to achieve their creative visions.
Self-organization is a fundamental aspect of human behavior, and it profoundly impacts our intellectual abilities. When our personal lives are structured and orderly, we open up new cognitive horizons and clear the path for creative thoughts to emerge. Essentially, a well-organized life frees up mental space that can be otherwise cluttered and overwhelming, allowing us to focus on more important things. It creates a sense of clarity that can bring forth innovative ideas and strategies that might have otherwise been hidden in the chaos.
In today’s fast-paced world, losing focus and getting swept away by the constant barrage of distractions and stressors is easy. That’s why we believe in the power of eliminating unnecessary noise and creating space for deep thinking. Doing so gives our minds the breathing room needed to generate new ideas and tackle complex problems with clarity and precision. This commitment to removing obstacles sets us apart and enables us to deliver groundbreaking solutions for our clients consistently. After all, in a world where attention is increasingly fragmented and time is always in short supply, the ability to focus on what truly matters is a priceless gift.
Few names shine as brightly as Steve Jobs in innovation and technological disruption. The co-founder of Apple Inc., Jobs was known for his relentless pursuit of perfection and for pushing the boundaries of what was possible in technology. Behind this extraordinary creativity and innovation was a personal life characterized by simplicity and minimalism.
Steve Jobs was a firm believer in the power of routine and order. He was known for wearing the same black turtleneck, blue jeans, and New Balance sneakers daily. This wasn’t a fashion statement but a calculated decision to eliminate unnecessary choices from his daily life. By reducing decision fatigue, Jobs freed up mental resources that he could then channel into his work at Apple.
Jobs’ minimalist lifestyle extended beyond his wardrobe. His home was sparsely furnished, with only essential items. He believed possessions often became distractions and preferred keeping his environment clean and clutter-free. This physical minimalism also reflected his approach to product design: sleek, simple, and with nothing superfluous.
This order and regularity in Jobs’ personal life provided a stable foundation on which he built his professional creativity. His ability to focus intensely on his work was legendary, and his passion for his projects was unmistakable. In Jobs’ world, there was no room for half-measures or compromises. His approach was always all-or-nothing, mirroring the concept of ‘violent originality’.
Harnessing Violence and Originality in Work
In Flaubert’s quote, the terms ‘violent’ and ‘original’ describe the intensity and novelty of our creative endeavors. Being ‘violent’ in our work doesn’t mean being aggressive or destructive. Instead, it refers to approaching our work with passion, vigor, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. ‘Originality,’ on the other hand, speaks to the uniqueness and authenticity of our creative output.
There is something magical about approaching our work with passion, vigor, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s like flipping a switch that brings our best selves to the forefront, igniting a sense of purpose and determination that drives us to greatness. When fully invested in our work, we create a ripple effect beyond our immediate sphere of influence, inspiring those around us to strive for excellence in their pursuits. This requires more than just putting in long hours or going through the motions. It requires dedication and focuses that demands excellence from ourselves and those around us. Ultimately, when we approach our work with aggression, we give ourselves the best chance to achieve our goals and make a lasting impact on the world around us.
Practical Steps Towards a Structured Life
So, how can we incorporate this philosophy into our own lives? Here are a few practical steps:
- Establish routines: Routines can help us manage our time effectively, ensuring that we have dedicated slots for work, rest, and recreation.
- Embrace minimalism: By simplifying our surroundings and lifestyle, we can reduce distractions and create a conducive environment for creativity.
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness practices like meditation can help us stay focused, reduce stress, and enhance our creative thinking.
Embrace Structure to Unleash Creativity
Embracing structure and order in our personal lives can indeed unlock our creative potential. It provides the stability we need to explore, experiment, and innovate in our work. So, let’s start organizing our personal lives and channel our energy towards being ‘violent’ and ‘original’ in our work. With this approach, we can harness our creativity and achieve greatness in any field.