?? ?? ?? Less Structure More Nonsense
Picture this: We're in the car playing the time-honoured tradition of knock-knock jokes. I deliver not one, but two, carefully crafted masterpieces:
?"Knock knock!"
"Who's there?"
"Luke!"
"Luke who?"
"Luke through the keyhole and see!"
?Swiftly followed by...
?"Knock knock!"
"Who's there?"
"Boo!"
"Boo who?"
"Ok, no need to cry about it!"
?
?? Bosh! The old one, two. Jab, hook. Or whatever the boxing terminology is.
?They have all the elements - wordplay, a clear setup, and a punchline that makes linguistic sense. I'm rather proud of myself until my partner's 7-year-old daughter pipes up with:
?"Knock knock!"
"Who's there?"
"Toilet!"
"Toilet who?"
"Flush!"
?
????♂? It makes absolutely no sense.
There's no clever wordplay, no logical connection, and it completely ignores the traditional knock-knock joke structure that's been honed over generations. And yet, the car erupts in laughter. Somehow, her "wrong" joke was funnier than my "right" ones.
As adults, we're like master chefs who've learned all the "correct" ingredients for a recipe. We know knock-knock jokes need wordplay, they should follow a specific structure, and the punchline should relate to the setup. But children? They're like those experimental chefs who put bacon in ice cream - it could be surprisingly delicious.
??? The science behind this is fascinating. Researchers call it "functional fixedness" - a cognitive bias where we become so fixed on the traditional use of something that we struggle to see alternative possibilities. It's like having a mental toolbox where every tool has a specific, predefined purpose. Adults have well-organised toolboxes; children are still figuring out that hammers aren't just for hitting things - they can also make excellent nose pickers (thats snot what they're for - i'm overcompensating for my comedy now aren't I)
This principle extends far beyond jokes. Take bubble wrap for example - in 1957, two engineers were trying to create trendy textured wallpaper by sealing two shower curtains together, creating a pattern of air bubbles. They failed spectacularly at making wallpaper, but accidentally created something far more valuable. They eventually ignored the "proper" use and saw new possibilities.
?Imagine that meeting -
"Soooo, our fancy wallpaper idea failed...but look how fun it is to pop!"
?Sometimes, the best solutions come from ignoring the "right" way.
?Maybe we can all channel our inner 7-year-old. Pick a problem you're facing and deliberately ignore the "proper" solution. What if your next business proposal was written as a play?
?And the next time a child in your life says something that seems to make no sense, pay attention. They might just be innovating while we're busy following the rules.
???? Because sometimes, the best punchline is just simply "flush."
?? What Others Know
Strategic Laziness, sounds glorious doesn't it. Elite performers implement rest days into their rhythm all the time, why shouldn't we? Take a look at this from Simon Sinek Optimism company written by Emily Priddy featuring Denise R. Green ?? , optimist instructor and work life balance specialist.
??? Simply Put
"Can I have just one day without a crisis, God? Please, just one fucking day."
?John Dutton (played by Kevin Costner) from the TV show Yellowstone
?? Reset Your Home
My friends Lesley Spellman and Ingrid Jansen released their debut book this week Reset Your Home - Unpack your emotions and your clutter, step by step. It's a lovely read and if you need any support with decluttering, or just want to simplify your home life a little more I recommend checking it out.
These ladies host the podcast The Declutter Hub and I was lucky enough to be a guest on their show a while back. You can listen to that episode and check out their website here
?? Signed Book Package
A whole bunch of awareness days relating to less are coming up. Digital Clean Up Day 15th March, Great British Spring Clean 21st March and TUC's Work Your Hours Day on the 23rd February. Enhance the experience by gifting yourself, or someone else, a signed book package including extras i've never given away before.
?? Want To Work With Me?
Work with me in 2025:
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There are several ways we can collaborate:
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If you're interested in any of these opportunities, please drop me an email at [email protected] or DM me on Linkedin / Instagram
Professional Organiser | Declutterer | Podcaster | Speaker | Mentor | Trainer
1 周Thank you Chris for adding our brand new book in your newsletter. Very much appreciated and you'll be delighted to hear we are now a nr 1 bestseller in Interior Design and Home improvement.