Have you ever noticed that your best problem-solving or decision-making breakthroughs happen when your mind is quiet?
Turns out these moments of quiet signals in the brain, or “weak activations” as they are called, can increase the chances of brilliant insights.
Taking a break from thinking about an issue helps us to unravel our unconscious thought and tap into this powerful cognitive resource.
The good news is that these flashes of genius can be fostered by specific conditions. A recent article at HBR.org by David Rock and Josh Davis outlines the four steps to promoting new activations in the brain:
Make time for quiet. Silence and solitude are crucial for nurturing precious eureka moments. Take breaks between meetings and find some alone time. Go to an empty conference room or, even better, leave the office and take a walk outside.
Look inward. Once you have found a quiet spot, put your buzzing phone down and try to focus on your inner thoughts. Let your mind wander. Daydreaming is a healthy exercise for finding breakthroughs.
Take a positive approach. Stress and anxiety can lock up the brain and block new ideas. Lift your spirits by talking to a friend, reading a book, or treating yourself to a snack.
Use less effort. Take a break from any decision-making process and focus on something else. Exercise is one automatic way to do it, and schedule it like you would a meeting or call.
So when you’re struggling with a tough decision, stay positive and try less. Your next big breakthrough is just around the corner if you wait quietly for it.
Sign up for The Sunday Snippet!
Good ideas to help you prosper delivered fresh each Sunday morning.