HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW
Four easy ways to spark flashes of insight
Not pushing too hard improves your chances of having a brainwave. That’s the lesson drawn from recent research set out in Four Steps to Having More Aha Moments
People often say they make their best decisions not while actively thinking about a problem but while, say, taking a shower, knitting or working out. How can you make these seemingly random flashes of insight happen more often? Research supports four steps you can take. 1. Notice quiet signals. No matter how busy you are, do your best to take breaks between meetings and find some alone time. Go to an empty conference room or, better, leave the office and take a walk outside. 2. Look forward. Once you have found a quiet spot, try to focus on your inner thoughts and ignore what’s going on around you. Zone out rather than glance at your buzzing phone. Turn your devices off for several hours a day — or several days a week if you can. This way your mind will be truly free to wander, and your brain won’t miss the next lightbulb moment when it happens. 3. Be positive. If you are feeling grumpy when tackling a complex decision, do something to lift your spirits. Recent research shows nappin...
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