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The Incrementalist
Trailer
Bonus
Episode 11
Season 1
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:
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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Check out the book: The Incrementalist, A Simple Productivity System to Create Big Results in Small Steps
Visit website: www.dyanwilliams.com
Subscribe to productivity e-newsletter