The Power of Pragmatic Thinking and Curation in Today's World

The Power of Pragmatic Thinking and Curation in Today's World

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, it is essential to approach problems and challenges with a pragmatic mindset. As Andy Hunt highlights in his book "Pragmatic Thinking and Learning," taking into account the context and considering everything as part of a system is crucial. Often, we get caught up in focusing on individual elements or isolated issues, but this can lead to trouble. Instead, we should strive to understand the bigger picture and how different factors interconnect.

One of the core principles of the Dreyfus skill model is the importance of using rules for novices and intuition for experts. This means that as we gain expertise in a particular area, we should rely more on our intuition and gut feelings. At the same time, it is essential to verify our intuitions and not blindly follow them. Trusting our intuition can lead to breakthroughs and innovative solutions, but we should always back it up with evidence and validation.

Taking breaks and stepping away from the keyboard is another valuable strategy for solving difficult problems. Our brains have a remarkable ability to process information in the background, even when we're not consciously thinking about it. By giving ourselves space and time to let our background processes work, we can often find solutions to problems that seemed unsolvable before. Activities like walking, taking a shower, or simply having a break can help refresh our minds and provide the clarity needed to overcome challenges.

Another powerful technique to solve problems is to change our viewpoint. Sometimes, looking at a problem from a different perspective can unveil new insights and possibilities. This can be done by reversing the problem, exaggerating it to the extreme, or simply changing our point of reference. By challenging our assumptions and preconceived notions, we open ourselves up to creative solutions that we may not have considered otherwise.

Building upon the idea of creativity and problem-solving, the role of curation in our modern world cannot be overlooked. In an article titled "Creativity is dead, long live curation," the concept of curation as a means to sort through culture and show us what we need to know is explored. The term "curator" originated from the Latin word "curare," which means to care. Initially, curators were caretakers of objects in museums, but the role has expanded to encompass a wider range of cultural artifacts.

Curation has always had a democratizing effect, bringing art and culture to different sections of society. It is about curiosity and the exploration of new ideas. However, in recent times, curation has taken on a bigger social role, known as "civic curation." This form of curation is linked to generosity and aims to bridge gaps in society, bringing people together through curated experiences.

Brands have also recognized the power of curation as a strategy for differentiation and longevity. By curating existing content and connecting it with new elements, brands can give renewed meaning and purpose to their products. In a world where there is constant pressure for newness, curation provides a way for brands to create value without always having to create something entirely new. It allows them to tap into the aesthetic world and narrative that curation creates, which is much harder to replicate.

Curation also plays a significant role in creating a specific identity and social status for brands. By curating products, experiences, and ideas, brands can position themselves as tastemakers and connectors within different communities. They can introduce people to new perspectives and bridge the gap between various taste communities, creating something that is simultaneously new and familiar.

In conclusion, both pragmatic thinking and curation have become essential tools in today's world. By considering the context and understanding the interconnectedness of different elements, we can approach problems and challenges in a more effective way. Trusting our intuition, taking breaks, and changing our viewpoint can lead to innovative solutions and breakthroughs. Simultaneously, curation allows brands to differentiate themselves, build equity, and create meaningful connections with consumers. By curating existing content and bridging gaps between different communities, brands can stay relevant in an ever-changing landscape.

Three actionable advice:

• 1. Embrace a pragmatic thinking mindset and consider the bigger picture when approaching problems.

• 2. Trust your intuition but always verify it with evidence and validation.

• 3. Take breaks and step away from the keyboard to allow your background processes to work on solving difficult problems.

By incorporating these strategies into our thinking and embracing the power of curation, we can navigate the complexities of the modern world and find innovative solutions to the challenges we face.