Much to the chagrin of every teacher and parents, or anyone whose ever looked after us, a lack of attention and focus can be a powerful space for problem solving, creativity, and connecting seemingly random thoughts. As the title suggests this is called the diffuse mode, as opposed to our more narrow minded focused mode.
Diffuse mode is active when we slow life down; going for a drive, showering, taking walks, and doing chores. Or any tasks that require little to no attention after we’ve mastered the core movements.
It’s what allows us to solve a problem after we finished a test and have no way of doing anything with the information, or remind ourselves of a word just on the tip of our tongue several hours after it’s needed. But these moments aren’t all bad. When you start work you generally have a few days to solve a problem. Plenty of time to let your brain make the necessary connections while you daydream.
Getting into the diffuse mode can be a bit tricky. The above list varies from boring to relaxing, unless you live in the city where driving is likely a nightmare. But not all boredom and relaxation is alike. While video games, reading, and television can be great ways to unwind they all require focus and they all serve as a distraction. And, in some homes, chores are a source of contention and stress, a poor state to let the mind go free in.
True diffuse mode activates when attention shifts to inattention and the mind is no longer focused on any particular subject. Walking, showering, and driving shift to muscle memory, we do them so consistently that once we start our brain is on autopilot. This mental inattention lets us bounce from point to point, or explore the realm of possibilities as we know it.
How to Take Advantage
As the diffuse mode starts to activate the focus mode starts to dissipate, neither mode is fully engaged at the same time. However, this doesn’t mean one simply shuts off when the other turns on. It’s perfectly reasonable to keep a focused question in your mind while you search for solutions in your memory bank. Or, for a whimsical notion to pull you deep into the weeds as your brain floods your attention with everything you know on a subject. Being interconnected is exactly what makes understanding both these tools so powerful for creativity, learning, and problem solving.
As we alluded to at the start, the diffuse mode can be difficult to predict; it’s hard to tell exactly when we’ll have a down moment and what our environment will be when we do. If you’re going to take advantage, be prepared ahead of time.
- Keep a journal
- Always have pen and paper on you
- Use the huge list of note taking apps. These are the two I've tried.
- Evernote
- ColorNote
I use a pocket sized journal for work notes (so I don’t take anything home) and my phone for anything personal. Currently I’m using ColorNote. It’s simple and I enjoy simple. Evernote connects you to everything and lets you collect everything. It’s information overload for me, but others have used it and love it.
Whatever works for you, just don’t let your curiosity go to waste.
Remember, the key is removing attention. It can be difficult, but eventually your mind will take a break. And when that happens, be ready to chase those thoughts. They can lead to profound discovery.