Welcome back to school kids. We've decided to update our book review column and make it a little more frequent and thematic. So say goodbye to Selbey Labs Books of the Month and hello to 52 Weeks of Marketing Wisdom.
The idea is to showcase, review and encourage people to discover 52 books under five key themes; Foresight, Customer, Strategy, Creativity & Innovation. Plus two "wild cards" to take us up to the magic number 52.
Each week we will review a book, provide a summary of why we think it's a good read for anyone in Marketing and some quotes to get you in the zone.
They range from business/marketing classics to hot off the press debuts and everything in between. So without further ado, here we go.
Week One: The Art of Noticing. Rob Walker
Channels: Foresight/Creativity
"The Art of Noticing" is a book that explores the idea of paying attention to the world around us in new and creative ways; a required skill for anyone in Marketing.
Journalist and author, Rob Walker presents a collection of 131 exercises and activities designed to help readers develop a more mindful, observant approach to everyday life.
The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on different aspects of observation, such as noticing details, engaging with your surroundings, finding joy in the mundane, and sparking creativity.
The exercises range from simple prompts, like taking a different route to work or spending time looking at a single object, to more elaborate challenges, such as creating a map of smells or designing a personal scavenger hunt.
it encourages readers to slow down, break out of routine, and cultivate a deeper awareness of their environment and experiences.
I love this book for a lot of reasons, but here are a few key themes that I think justify the time spent with it.
1. Mindful Observation: One of the central themes of the book is the importance of mindful observation in a world that is often fast-paced and focused on productivity. Walker argues that by learning to notice the overlooked details around us, we can enhance our creativity, reduce stress, and find more meaning in our daily lives.
2. Creativity and Playfulness: The exercises in the book are designed to be fun and playful, encouraging a sense of curiosity and exploration. Walker emphasizes that creativity is not just for artists but is a skill that can be cultivated by anyone through the practice of noticing.
3. Breaking Out of Routine: Many of the prompts in the book challenge readers to break out of their usual routines and habits. This can involve taking a different route, engaging in unfamiliar activities, or simply changing one’s perspective. By doing so, Walker suggests that we can experience the world in new and unexpected ways.
4. Connection to the World and Others: The book also touches on how noticing can foster a deeper connection to the world and to other people. By paying attention to the stories, emotions, and experiences around us, we become more empathetic and engaged with our communities.
Why you should read it:
- Accessible and Practical: The exercises are easy to understand and can be done by anyone, regardless of age or background. This makes the book highly accessible.
- Encourages Curiosity: The book is written in a way that inspires curiosity and wonder. It encourages readers to see the world with fresh eyes, which can be a refreshing change from the routine and mundane.
- Flexible Format: The book does not need to be read in a linear fashion; readers can dip in and out of the exercises as they choose, making it a flexible resource for inspiration and personal growth.
Finally, here are some quotes from the book to get you in the zone...
On the Importance of Noticing:
"To notice is to choose to pay attention. It's a skill that can be cultivated, a muscle that can be strengthened, an adventure that can be pursued."
On the Everyday as Extraordinary:
"Noticing is about cultivating a different quality of attention. It's about looking beyond the obvious, seeking out the hidden or overlooked. It's about seeing the ordinary as extraordinary."
On Curiosity and Playfulness:
"The art of noticing invites you to be a little more playful, to embrace your curiosity, to look more closely and think more deeply."
On Breaking Out of Routine:
"Routine is a rut that can dull your senses and shrink your world. Noticing is a way to climb out of that rut, to make even the most familiar surroundings feel fresh and full of possibility."
On Observation as Creativity:
"Creativity is simply paying attention to the world around you and making connections where others might not see them.
"On Empathy Through Noticing:
"Noticing is not just about seeing; it’s about understanding. It’s a way to connect with others by observing, listening, and truly being present."
The Art of Noticing, Rob Walker