When we have a problem, we like to think of a solution. The more important the problem, or the more urgently a solution is needed, the harder we need to think about it. Or so the thinking goes.
Sometimes all that thinking gets in the way – the best ideas often emerge in a clear mind.
Thinking real hard can be constricting. It gest us into an analytical mode, which relies largely upon examining linear paths and evaluating things very logically. Sometimes that’s good, but sometimes this approach may be blocking out the most creative, intuitive, and clever ideas.
Not thinking about the problem – or, if possible, not really thinking about anything at all – can help liberate the best ideas.
Psychology teaches us that we have two main systems of thought – conscious and subconscious. Subconscious thought is a bit of a black box, but it’s clearly very powerful. And sometimes if we get our conscious minds out of the way, the subconscious has a chance to bring some very good stuff to the surface, giving our conscious minds something really great to work on.
Have a really hard problem to solve? Try not thinking about it for a while.
Photo credit: the italian voice
