The role of DMN on the next great idea
The role of DMN on the next great idea
Guest writer John Anderson brings you this week’s blog post courtesy of forgetting his earbuds for a 10k run. Read on to learn more about our mind’s Default Mode Network in “The Role of DMN on the Next Great Idea.”
Blog after blog, podcast after podcast, and even during presentations, I harp on about developing new ideas. I critique software for not being innovative and bash some of the biggest players in the market for still peddling ideas I developed for them 15 years ago. You’re encouraged to think outside the box, be a disruptor, a thought leader, and deliver fresh, innovative ideas but nobody teaches you how to do that. And there are fewer people everyday who inherently think this way.
But not everyone is wired to think the same way. Some people naturally look for better solutions. I often say, give a difficult job to a lazy person, and they’ll show you the easiest way to do it. Couple that with your best plan, and you have a real winner. But that doesn’t solve the problem of actually coming up with the idea, the plan, the change, or the strategy you need.
For most people, they are task-focused. It’s like walking up to a comedian and saying, “Be funny!” There’s a lot more involved in getting there than just asking, and believe me, I do a lot of asking. Consultants are experts at asking questions and then guiding you through the solutions. I used to say a consultant will steal your watch and then charge you to tell you the time. Now, as a consultant, I still agree with the statement, but I understand its value. The challenge is you don’t have time to look at the watch. You need to learn how to foster that thought, and I’m going to share one of my secrets.
This morning, a hot Saturday morning, I went to the park and decided I was going to run a slow and purposeful 10 kilometers. At 60 years of age, that’s quite a feat before noon. I usually have my earbuds and listen to some motivating music on the way out and an enlightening podcast on the way back. Since I left quickly and quietly so as not to wake my partner, I forgot my precious earbuds. Keep in mind this little self-propelled journey takes just over an hour for me, so the sound of my footsteps was all I had.
The first 10 minutes, I went over everything I was feeling, what I wanted for breakfast, pondered the geese on the path, and listened to my breathing. Basically, I was just doing an inventory of everything around me, and before you knew it, my mind was wandering. I was replaying conversations I had earlier in the week, reframing solutions, or playing an extended game of “Would have, Should have, Could Have.” I started pondering a development project I’m going to start, a new game-changing product. I came up with a strategy I need to deploy with another small team. It was like I couldn’t stop the ideas. While my legs just pounded out on autopilot, my mind was having a great time doing all the things it didn’t have time to do when I was using it. I thought through my menu for the week, some travel stops I would like to make, and yes, I even thought about this particular article.
What is this Phenomenon and What Causes It?
When you go for a walk or run without music or podcasts, something interesting happens in your brain. Your mind enters a state known as the “default mode network” (DMN), which is active when you’re at rest and not focused on external tasks.
What is the Default Mode Network?
The DMN is a group of brain regions that light up when you’re daydreaming, recalling memories, or thinking about the future. It’s like your brain’s default setting when it’s not processing external information. The main components of the DMN include the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), precuneus, and the angular gyrus. These areas become more active when we are internally focused, allowing us to reflect, imagine, and plan.
Benefits of Engaging the DMN
- Creativity Boost.
- Without distractions, your mind can wander freely, leading to creative insights and problem-solving.
- This spontaneous mental activity fosters divergent thinking, a critical component of creativity.
- Studies have shown that when the DMN is activated, individuals can experience more “aha” moments and generate novel ideas.
- Mental Health.
- Engaging the DMN can reduce stress and anxiety by providing a mental break and promoting emotional processing.
- This downtime allows the brain to decompress and integrate experiences, which is essential for emotional regulation and mental well-being.
- Research suggests that regular engagement of the DMN through activities like mindfulness and reflective thinking can improve overall mental health.
- Engaging the DMN can reduce stress and anxiety by providing a mental break and promoting emotional processing.
- Flow State.
- You might experience a deep, immersive focus, often called a “flow state,” which is both rewarding and rejuvenating.
- The flow state occurs when you’re fully absorbed in an activity, leading to heightened productivity and satisfaction.
- This state is associated with optimal brain function and can enhance learning and skill development.
- You might experience a deep, immersive focus, often called a “flow state,” which is both rewarding and rejuvenating.
- Without distractions, your mind can wander freely, leading to creative insights and problem-solving.
Mindful Breaks.
Use your walks or runs as a form of moving meditation. Focus on your surroundings and your thoughts. Pay attention to the rhythm of your footsteps, the sound of your breathing, and the sights and smells around you. This practice can enhance your mindfulness skills and promote a sense of presence.
Creative Thinking:
Allow these unplugged moments to become your brainstorming sessions. Many people find their best ideas come when their minds are free to wander. Try to embrace this mental freedom and let your thoughts flow naturally. You might be surprised by the creative solutions and innovative ideas that emerge during these periods of mental relaxation.
Next time you head out for a run or walk, leave the headphones behind and let your brain enter its default mode. You might be surprised by the benefits! By allowing your mind to wander, you can tap into a powerful source of creativity, reduce stress, and experience a greater sense of well-being. So, take a break from the constant noise and give your brain the space it needs to thrive.