Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Lichtenbergianism summary
Brief summary
Lichtenbergianism: Procrastination as a Creative Strategy by Dale Lyles offers a humorous and insightful approach to overcoming creative blocks and harnessing the power of procrastination to fuel productivity.
Topics
Table of Contents
Lichtenbergianism
Summary of key ideas
Understanding Procrastination as a Creative Strategy
In Lichtenbergianism: procrastination as a creative strategy by Dale Lyles, we are introduced to the concept of Lichtenbergianism, a creative philosophy inspired by the 18th-century German polymath, Georg Christoph Lichtenberg. Lyles argues that procrastination, often seen as a negative trait, can be harnessed as a tool for creativity.
Lichtenbergianism is based on nine precepts, or guiding principles, that encourage individuals to embrace their procrastination tendencies and use them to their advantage. The first precept, the desire to succeed is not enough, emphasizes the importance of setting specific, achievable goals. Lyles suggests that by breaking down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks, we can overcome the paralysis often associated with procrastination.
Embracing the Power of Procrastination
The second precept, the work of the creator is an ongoing process, encourages us to view creativity as a journey rather than a destination. Lyles argues that by accepting the imperfections of our work and understanding that it is always evolving, we can alleviate the pressure to produce a perfect product, thus reducing procrastination.
Another precept, creativity is play, encourages us to approach our work with a sense of curiosity and experimentation. By reframing our creative endeavors as a form of play, we can reduce the anxiety and fear that often lead to procrastination.
Overcoming Creative Blocks
Lyles also addresses the issue of creative blocks, a common source of procrastination. He suggests that by embracing the power of the deadline, we can use time constraints to our advantage, forcing us to focus and produce work. Additionally, he encourages us to embrace the power of the group, seeking out supportive communities that can provide feedback and accountability.
Another precept, the creator must be willing to fail, encourages us to view failure as an essential part of the creative process. By reframing failure as a learning opportunity, we can reduce the fear of making mistakes, a common source of procrastination.
Applying Lichtenbergianism in Practice
In the latter part of the book, Lyles provides practical advice on how to apply Lichtenbergianism in our creative endeavors. He suggests creating a daybook, a journal where we can record our goals, progress, and setbacks. This daybook serves as a tool for self-reflection and a source of motivation.
He also introduces the concept of the Lichtenbergian Society, a group of like-minded individuals who meet regularly to discuss their creative projects and provide support and accountability. By sharing our goals and progress with others, we can reduce procrastination and increase our productivity.
Conclusion: Embracing Procrastination for Creativity
In conclusion, Lichtenbergianism: procrastination as a creative strategy offers a refreshing perspective on procrastination and creativity. By embracing our procrastination tendencies and reframing them as a natural part of the creative process, we can reduce anxiety, increase productivity, and ultimately produce more meaningful work. Lyles' nine precepts provide a practical framework for applying Lichtenbergianism in our own creative endeavors, offering a new way to approach our work and overcome procrastination.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Lichtenbergianism about?
Lichtenbergianism (Procrastination as a Creative Strategy) is a groundbreaking book by Dale Lyles that challenges the conventional wisdom about productivity and creativity. Lyles offers a thought-provoking framework, inspired by the 18th-century thinker Georg Christoph Lichtenberg, for embracing procrastination as a tool for unlocking one's creative potential. Through practical advice and insightful anecdotes, the book encourages readers to harness their natural tendency to delay in order to achieve greater creative output and personal fulfillment.
Lichtenbergianism Review
Lichtenbergianism (2017) by Dale Lyles is a thought-provoking exploration of creativity and the art of living imaginatively. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Through a mix of intellectual musings, personal anecdotes, and practical exercises, it nurtures the reader's own creative potential, offering a refreshing approach to embracing creativity.
- With its unconventional, yet insightful ideas about finding inspiration in everyday life, the book challenges conventional thinking and encourages readers to think outside the box.
- Engaging and thought-provoking, Lyles eloquently combines philosophy and creativity to create a book that is anything but boring, captivating readers from start to finish.
Who should read Lichtenbergianism?
- Anyone seeking guidance and inspiration to unlock their creative potential
- Individuals looking to overcome procrastination and self-doubt in their artistic pursuits
- Creative professionals who want to embrace a structured approach to their creative process
Categories with Lichtenbergianism
Book summaries like Lichtenbergianism
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Lichtenbergianism FAQs
What is the main message of Lichtenbergianism?
The main message of Lichtenbergianism is to embrace creative procrastination as a tool for generating ideas.
How long does it take to read Lichtenbergianism?
The reading time for Lichtenbergianism varies, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Lichtenbergianism a good book? Is it worth reading?
Lichtenbergianism is worth reading for its refreshing perspective on creativity and procrastination. It offers valuable insights and tips for embracing a creative mindset.
Who is the author of Lichtenbergianism?
The author of Lichtenbergianism is Dale Lyles.
What to read after Lichtenbergianism?
If you're wondering what to read next after Lichtenbergianism, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susann Jeffers
- Making It All Work by David Allen
- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
- The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
- Mindset by Carol Dweck
- Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
- Switch by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
- The Da Vinci Curse by Leonardo Lospennato
- The Defining Decade by Meg Jay
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau