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In today’s fast-paced world, embracing moments of uncertainty can be a powerful catalyst for creativity and resilience, especially among leaders. Margaret Heffernan, a writer, broadcaster, and professor at the University of Bath whose popular Ted Talks have reached millions, highlights the importance of making time for what may seem like “doing nothing.” This practice, far from being unproductive, can open new pathways to insight and innovation.
Filmmaker Mike Leigh offers a vivid example of this philosophy in action. Despite a prolific career producing numerous films, television plays, and theatre works, Leigh prioritizes periods of quiet reflection between projects. He shares with Positive News that engaging in solitary activities like reading, visiting museums, and simply observing the world around him is crucial. This approach aligns with the concept of “deep hanging out,” coined by anthropologist James Clifford, which involves spending time in overlooked environments without a firm agenda but with full attention. Such undirected wandering sharpens awareness and gathers intuitive knowledge, forming a fertile ground for creative thinking.
The value of this kind of engagement extends beyond the arts. Andy Haldane, former chief economist at the Bank of England, found that relying solely on data and conventional models was insufficient for making complex decisions. By walking the streets of London and conversing with community members and faith groups, he gained perspectives inaccessible from behind a desk. He notes, “Trying to make sense of what I saw and heard, I found myself relying more on stories than statistics,” emphasizing the importance of listening to the narratives people carry. Haldane then invited diverse figures—from artists to campaigners—into the bank to foster broader, more imaginative conversations, revitalizing the institution’s dialogue.
Living with uncertainty rather than seeking premature certainty can spark curiosity and innovation. Heffernan points out that many acclaimed writers embrace this method, beginning complex novels without predetermined plots, discovering their stories as they write. Nobel laureate Olga Tokarczuk, for example, was surprised to uncover her own killer halfway through her mystery novel. This willingness to “hang out” with uncertainty nurtures creative thinking, a skill the World Economic Forum identifies as essential for modern enterprises. Though such reflective practices may appear idle, they are vital investments in invention and progress. As Leigh succinctly puts it, “Nothing happening is something happening,” underscoring how these quiet interludes lay the groundwork for future breakthroughs
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