In a recent article, I espoused the virtue of down time as an enabler of strategic, contemplative and deep thought, the type of thinking that leads to game changing performance. As it turns out, new research has demonstrated a linkage between daydreaming and breakthrough innovative thinking. Few will argue that down time presents some of the most fertile opportunities for daydreaming and hence innovating in our lives.
The Wall Street Journal recently published an article explaining this research in greater detail. While much of the inner workings of our brains in these moments are not yet understood, the research indicates a difference in this type of insightful thinking versus analytical problem solving. The researchers describe the precursor conditions for this insightful thinking that take place during periods of daydreaming. Read more about the study at the following link- WSJ article.
This research further reinforces the importance of unstructured time in our lives. Just as unstructured play time is an important and declining aspect of our children’s lives, so too our ultra busy lifestyles are an impediment to breakthrough performance in our work lives.
Our mothers taught us to take everything in moderation. Our overly scheduled, structured and planned lifestyles are anything but moderate. Listen to your mother, the research, or that quiet voice in the back of your head and put some reasonableness back into your life.
Take that well deserved down time, free of schedule encumbrances and work-a-day priorities. Open yourself to the innovative potential of daydreaming. There is nothing like a good “aha moment” to pull you out of a rut and put you on the path for an exciting new adventure.