In his TED Talk, “The Surprising Habits of Original Thinkers,” Adam Grant explores the characteristics and habits of “originals,” or people who drive creativity and change. He begins by sharing a personal story about his missed investment opportunity in Warby Parker, a company that later became highly successful, to illustrate how he misjudged the traits of original thinkers.Grant identifies three key insights about originals:Procrastination as a Creative Tool: Grant discusses research showing that moderate procrastination can enhance creativity. He explains that procrastination allows ideas to incubate, leading to more innovative solutions. This is contrasted with precrastinators, who may lack the creative depth due to rushing their work.Managing Doubt: Originals often experience self-doubt but use it constructively. They engage in idea doubt, which drives them to test, experiment, and refine their ideas. Grant highlights that fear of failure is common among originals, but what sets them apart is their greater fear of not trying.Embracing Failure: Grant emphasizes that originals tend to generate a high volume of ideas, including many that fail, before achieving success. This prolific output increases their chances of finding truly original and valuable ideas. He cites examples like Thomas Edison and classical composers, who succeeded by producing many works and learning from their failures.Grant concludes that originality involves starting quickly, being open to diverse ideas, and using doubt and fear as motivational tools. By understanding and embracing these traits, individuals can enhance their creativity and contribute meaningfully to the world.
