Messy: The Power of Disorder to Transform Our Lives

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader as part of a quick-takes catch up post. The point is to catch up on my “To Write About” stack—emphasizing pithiness, not thoroughness..
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I think I'm going to have to make a point to listen to more Hartford books—between the time I put this on my TBR list and picking it up, I'd forgotten it was by the man behind The Data Detective.

The basic premise is this—people who are messy (not those full of utter chaos in habits or possessions), function better than those who are ruled by rigid standards—either metaphorically or literally. When rules (primarily at work) are too inflexible it hurts productivity and satisfaction in the work.

So let people organize their work and workplaces as they will, don't impose a filing system on people who don't want it, etc. Sure, keep things tidy, but beyond that...let the individual reign. That's a horrible oversimplification, but to do it justice would take...well, most of this book. Just go with that as a thumbnail and read/listen to it. It's entertaining, thought-provoking, and empowering.

I think this went on a bit too long—perhaps if the last couple of chapters had been excised, it would've been better. But I might change my mind on a re-read/re-listen.

“Messy” is filled with contrarian examples and anecdotes disputing the modern idea that the only way to be productive or creative is by sitting at a spotless desk in an empty room while Jonathan Ive stands behind you whispering design mantras in dulcet tones.

On the other hand, a spotless desk works wonders for some people.