We’ve known about this for some time. In 1926, Graham Wallas outlined the basic creative process in his book The Art of Thought. It includes something he called “incubation.” That’s when you’re not consciously thinking about a problem or a project, and ideas start popping into your head. Since then, scientists have identified the Default Mode Network as the engine that drives creativity.
The protocol is straightforward. Do something that puts your body on autopilot and lets your mind roam free. Taking a shower is the classic one. Exercising, walking in the country, washing dishes, or driving all work. So does eating pistachios you have to shell. Walking is my favorite.
When you do that, your DMN starts throwing ideas at you. Here are two ways to make that work better for you. Prime the pump by reviewing your troublesome issue before you set your mind free. When your DMN throws an idea at you, capture it. Write it down or record it promptly or you will forget it promptly.
My wife both have long had a way of dealing with troublesome problems in need of a solution, we decide to work at something else for a while and allow our subconscious to work the problem while we avoid frustration by attending to something else. Most of the time it works.
Brilliant. I’m a big fan of that method. It’s like leaving the tabs open in your mind. You go off to do something else but it’s there for you when need it—usually halfway through the “something else.”
I once took the Gallup StrengthFinders inventory, and my top strength was Connectedness, followed by Ideation. Your review really helped shed some light on what’s going on, and how to continue to cultivate positive creative practices - thanks!
We’ve known about this for some time. In 1926, Graham Wallas outlined the basic creative process in his book The Art of Thought. It includes something he called “incubation.” That’s when you’re not consciously thinking about a problem or a project, and ideas start popping into your head. Since then, scientists have identified the Default Mode Network as the engine that drives creativity.
The protocol is straightforward. Do something that puts your body on autopilot and lets your mind roam free. Taking a shower is the classic one. Exercising, walking in the country, washing dishes, or driving all work. So does eating pistachios you have to shell. Walking is my favorite.
When you do that, your DMN starts throwing ideas at you. Here are two ways to make that work better for you. Prime the pump by reviewing your troublesome issue before you set your mind free. When your DMN throws an idea at you, capture it. Write it down or record it promptly or you will forget it promptly.
That’s great. Thanks for adding that, Wally!
My wife both have long had a way of dealing with troublesome problems in need of a solution, we decide to work at something else for a while and allow our subconscious to work the problem while we avoid frustration by attending to something else. Most of the time it works.
Brilliant. I’m a big fan of that method. It’s like leaving the tabs open in your mind. You go off to do something else but it’s there for you when need it—usually halfway through the “something else.”
I once took the Gallup StrengthFinders inventory, and my top strength was Connectedness, followed by Ideation. Your review really helped shed some light on what’s going on, and how to continue to cultivate positive creative practices - thanks!
My pleasure!
I have the book in the post. Your review made me do it!
LOL, love it!
That's a relief! Here I thought my mindwandering was escapism.
Sometimes the best thoughts we have come while not thinking about something else!