Focused vs. Diffused Thinking: You Need Both to Learn and Solve Problems

To solve problems, you must access and activate the neural networks in your brain.  There’s the task-positive network and the task-negative network. Task-positive is focused mode. And task-negative is diffused mode. You cannot use both at the same time. Instead, you move from one to the next to fully understand a problem and generate the best ideas to solve it.

In episode 11 of The Incrementalist podcast, you will discover:

• The difference between the focused mode and the diffused mode of thinking
• The reasons you need both modes to learn new things and solve problems
• The limitations of the focused mode, e.g. Einstellung effect
• The limitations of the diffused mode, e.g. lack of deliberate practice
• Salvador Dali and Thomas Edison's use of micronaps (hypnagogia) to get unstuck and generate ideas
• How to activate each thinking mode and move from one mode to the other
• Why mind mapping is better than linear note taking for connecting ideas and seeing the big picture

Resources cited: 

• Barbara Oakley, Mindshift: Break Through Obstacles to Learning and Discover Your Hidden Potential
• Daniel Levitin, Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload
• Dyan Williams, Mind Mapping: A Mental Tool for Generating Ideas and Solving Problems, ABA Law Practice Today

Music by:

• Sebastian Brian Mehr

Stay focused & diffused,

Dyan Williams
Check out the book: The Incrementalist, A Simple Productivity System to Create Big Results in Small Steps
Visit website: www.dyanwilliams.com
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