Are We There Yet? vol. 241
A recent article from Inc. came through my news feed on my phone. It referenced a technique that Steve Jobs used to use when he was stuck on a problem. If he couldn’t think through his problem in 10 minutes, rather than continue spinning his wheels, he would take a walk. He felt that his brain better responded to problem solving while he was moving.
Neuroscientist and author Mithu Storoni wrote the book Hyperefficient: Optimize Your Brain to Transform the Way You Work. She says that our brains are not like other muscles where you can just push them to exhaustion and get results. Jobs requiring creative power can’t be pushed the same way as other muscles. She says, “Whenever you have to come up with a new idea or solve a problem, however, you need a more open, loose mental state where your mind can make novel connections and discover paths around obstacles.” Trying to force a solution may simply lead to frustration.
She added that walking “keeps your attention moving because your surroundings are moving while you walk, so your attention can’t really fix on anything. So, it drifts into your head and explores your problems and tries to solve them from different avenues.”
I’ve heard of many benefits of taking a walk, especially in nature. It improves your well-being and may improve your health from lower anxiety to lower blood pressure. Now, research is finding that walking may also help us solve problems. The next time someone tells me to take a hike, I won’t take it negatively.
Take care and stay safe.
VIDEO:
The Diplomat (Season 2) - Netflix
Amid an international crisis, a career diplomat juggles her new high-profile job as ambassador to the United Kingdom and her turbulent marriage to a political star.
Learn more about Bob Len here.
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