We use linear thinking daily. Is it really that efficient?
Linear problem solving involves applying a simple solution to a task based on information we already have in our memory. You know the answer of adding 8 plus 10. You don’t need “working memory” to figure it out because you have memorized that answer, which is stored in long-term memory. What about adding 1657 with 3409? You can do it, but try it without a calculator or paper. This challenge relates to our real world problems that are much more complicated and also non-linear; otherwise we could increase sales for the next quarter, easily invent a new product, or better predict market volatility based on information we already hold in our brains.
Then how do “aha moments” or sparks of insights suddenly present themselves to solve problems? Research by Dr. David Rock, Founder and Director of Neuroleadership Institute, has discovered the answers to having more insights is very consistent. “No one seems to solve complex problems at will. The answers always suddenly arrive, either as you fall asleep, as you wake up, while showering, or doing something pleasant and repetitive, like exercising, gardening or cooking. It [may] seem unlikely that we can “control” when we have an insight. It’s now very clear that we can dramatically increase the likelihood that an insight emerges.” Here are the top 3 discoveries about our brain and sparks of insights to help you have more of them.
First, it involves quietness. Insights or “aha” moments involve connections between a small number of neurons (ten thousand-ish). Insight is often a long-forgotten memory, and they do not utilize many neurons (energy) involved in holding them together. The challenge is we don’t notice signals when our baseline attention (millions of neurons firing) is overloaded, weakened, or unbalanced. Do you hear a quiet cell phone at a party? It’s hard to notice signals that have less energy than the general energy level present in the brain. So, we tend to notice insights when our overall brain activity level is lower. “Insights require a quiet mind, because they themselves are quiet in our brain.”
Again, not everyone works or operates in a quiet environment. Thus the second quality of generating insights involves switching your attention from externally-focused to internally-focused. Dr. Jonathan Schooler (UC Santa Barbara) and Dr. Mark Beeman (Northwestern University) explain that daydreaming and mind-wandering shows alpha waves in the visual and auditory cortex right before someone has an intellectual spark or insight. This means that an individual eliminates or reduces a majority of all external stimuli in order to save their resources (brain energy) for noticing the insight. That walk during lunch and getting out to the office puts you into a different mindset. This allows you to feel safe and secure enough to reflect on deep thoughts or memories, and not worry about what is going around you.
The third quality of insight generation is from psychologist, Dr. Stellan Ohlsson, is known as inhibition theory. This is a state of mind that calls for us to inhibit the wrong solution in order for the right one to come to our attention. The more we work on the same wrong solution, the more we prime the brain for that solution and the harder it is to think of new ideas. The brain has to produce an enormous amount of electrical activity when effort (output) is needed. We actually can reduce the probability of noticing the quiet signals of insight. The point is to let go of the problem in order for the solution to unfold.
By finding quietness, to focusing internally, and letting it all go, you become more balanced professionally and personally. These principles are widely found in therapeutic exercises such as tai chai, qi gong, martial arts, and even yoga. It’s reassuring when science aligns to ancient wisdom that improves our mind, body, and spirit.
Source: Dr. David Rock, “How to Have More Insights”, Neuroleadership Institute, April 2012.
Don’t have PayPal? You can simply choose to use any one of your other credit or debit cards at the point of the PayPal checkout.