The Life-Changing Magic of Being Messy
You may know someone who is a bit messy, with a room full of both clean and dirty clothes and maybe even a few snack wrappers here and there. While it may seem gross, being messy isn't always a bad thing.
Being someone who is considered messy myself, I have faced judgment for my clutter. Living in a boarding school, I am required to keep my room neat and ready for guests. Monday room checks are routine, and the teachers have encouraged my roommate and me to clean up, sometimes more gently and other times more firmly. I used to hide my mess in a big box and deal with it later, but now I just toss everything in a common storage area. Out of sight, out of mind.
Despite the criticism messy people face, studies have shown that being messy can be a sign of creativity and openness. A study by Kathleen D. Vohs found that people in a messy room tended to choose more adventurous options compared to those in a tidy room. This suggests that messy people are more likely to think outside the box and come up with new ideas.
Messy individuals are not afraid to challenge the norm and think differently. While some may see them as lazy, it's essential to recognize that many successful and innovative people, like Albert Einstein and Steve Jobs, had messy workspaces. So, before rushing to tidy up someone else's mess, consider that their messiness could be a sign of their unique creativity.
In conclusion, instead of rushing to organize someone else's chaos, try to appreciate the creativity and individuality that their messiness may represent.
7 answers
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1 point
The author suggests that being messy can be a sign of creativity and openness, as supported by a study showing that people in messy rooms tend to choose more adventurous options.
The author explains that being messy shows laziness and lack of effort
The author states that being messy discourages creativity and openess
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1 point
The author's personal experiernce in a boarding school does not support the idea about being messy
The author's personal experience in a boarding school has the same societal expectations of neatness and the potential benefits of embracing messiness for creativity.
The author's personal experience in a boarding school highlights the contrast between societal expectations of neatness and the potential benefits of embracing messiness for creativity.