Beyond Efficiency: Embracing Wonder in Professional Life
As I reflect on the role of wonder in our professional and creative lives, I’m struck by how often we overlook its immense value. In a world that prioritizes efficiency, measurable results, and the bottom line, it’s easy to dismiss wonder as a frivolous luxury. But the more I examine the impact of wonder on our well-being, creativity, and sense of purpose, the more convinced I am that it’s not just important — it’s essential.
Let me start by acknowledging the dominant role of pragmatism in modern work culture. As a thinking and coaching tool, pragmatism emphasizes practical applications and tangible outcomes. It’s a powerful approach that drives much of our decision-making and problem-solving. I’ve certainly relied on pragmatic thinking countless times in my own career.
But I’ve also come to recognize the limitations of a purely pragmatic mindset. When we focus solely on efficiency and measurable results, we risk neglecting the emotional and creative dimensions of our work. We miss out on the deeper, often intangible rewards that come from engaging with ideas and experiences for their own sake.
This is where the philosophical critique of utilitarianism comes in. Utilitarianism, the idea that the value of something is determined by its practical utility, often fails to account for the intrinsic worth of experiences that don’t have immediate, quantifiable benefits. As William Bruce Cameron wisely noted, “Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.”
So, what exactly is wonder, and why does it matter? Wonder is distinct from mere curiosity or surprise. It’s a profound, reflective state in which we appreciate the value of things in and of themselves. When we experience wonder, we connect with the world in a way that goes beyond pragmatic concerns. We’re filled with a sense of awe, inspiration, and intrinsic appreciation.
Think about a moment when you’ve been stopped in your tracks by the beauty of nature, like a breathtaking sunset or an intricate spider’s web glistening with dew. Or recall a time when you’ve been deeply moved by a work of art, a piece of music, or a profound idea. These experiences of wonder may not serve any immediate practical purpose, but they enrich our lives in ways that are hard to quantify.
The cognitive and physiological benefits of wonder and daydreaming are also worth noting. Studies have shown that experiencing awe and wonder can lead to increased feelings of well-being, reduced stress, and enhanced creativity. When we allow ourselves to pause and marvel at the world around us, we give our minds a chance to rest and recharge.
Research suggests that daydreaming and mind-wandering can actually boost problem-solving abilities and creative thinking. When we let our minds drift, we tap into a default mode network in the brain that is associated with imagination, self-reflection, and making connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. So, those moments of wonder and reverie that might seem unproductive are actually essential for our cognitive and emotional health.
As a writer, some of my most creative insights have emerged from moments of wonder. Whether it’s marveling at the play of light on a city street or pondering a philosophical question that challenges my assumptions, wonder opens up new possibilities and perspectives. It fuels my imagination and helps me connect with my work on a deeper level.
But in today’s fast-paced, digitally saturated world, it can be challenging to cultivate a sense of wonder. As Marshall McLuhan famously observed, “the medium is the message.” The media through which we experience the world shape our perception and understanding. The constant stream of information and stimuli from our devices can easily overwhelm and distract us, hindering our ability to engage with wonder.
That’s why I believe it’s so important to be intentional about creating space for wonder in our lives, both personally and professionally. This might mean taking regular breaks from screens to engage with nature, art, or meaningful conversations. It could involve carving out time for creative play and exploration without immediate practical goals.
In the workplace, fostering a culture of wonder can lead to greater innovation, collaboration, and job satisfaction. Encouraging employees to take breaks for creative activities, providing opportunities for learning and growth, and cultivating an environment where curiosity and exploration are valued — these are all ways to integrate wonder into professional life.
So, how can we start practicing wonder in our daily lives?
Here are three simple tips:
1. Set aside time each day for reflection and appreciation. Take a few minutes to marvel at the world around you, whether it’s the intricate veins of a leaf or the way the light falls across your desk. Allow yourself to be fully present and engaged in the moment.
2. Seek out new experiences and perspectives. Step outside your comfort zone and explore something unfamiliar, whether it’s a new art form, a different cuisine, or a challenging idea. Embrace the sense of wonder that comes with discovering something new.
3. Share your experiences of wonder with others. Talk about the things that inspire and amaze you. Encourage your colleagues, friends, and family to cultivate their own sense of wonder. By sharing our experiences, we amplify the power of wonder and create a culture that values intrinsic appreciation.
Balancing the pursuit of wonder with pragmatic goals is a challenge, I get that. But I believe it’s a challenge worth embracing. By recognizing and nurturing wonder, we open ourselves up to deeper connections, greater creativity, and a more profound sense of purpose. We remind ourselves that not everything valuable can be measured, and that sometimes the most meaningful experiences are those that serve no practical purpose at all.
Let’s not forget the power of wonder in our quest for efficiency and success. Let’s create space for awe, inspiration, and intrinsic appreciation in our work and in our lives. For it is in these moments of wonder that we touch something greater than ourselves — something that enriches us beyond measure.
Suggested Reading:
“Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life” by Dacher Keltner (2023)
“The Awe Factor: How a Little Bit of Wonder Can Make a Big Difference in Your Life” by Allen Klein (2017)
“The Book of Awe: Exploring the Human Emotion of Wonder, Primal and Profound” by Kimberly Beyer (2021)
