Discover the full collection of #ThinkfullyHabits
When tackling complex problems or chunky pieces of work – don’t binge it in one go. This means avoiding the temptation to procrastinate and then work like crazy to hit a deadline. Equally it means not getting something done and dusted early in one go. Instead, plan your work differently. Start early and then deliberately build in time part way through where you step away. Then come back for a second bite.
Read MoreWhen was the last time you laughed out loud? Had a deep smile to yourself? Shared a good old chuckle with a colleague?
Researchers have discovered that we laugh less as an adult than we used to as a child - on average children laugh 400 times a day, while adults laugh about 15 times a day*!
Read MoreIt can often feel like we’re chasing the clock, constantly rushing to meet never ending deadlines. However, it can be incredibly helpful to not just momentarily step away and come back to a challenge, but to go away and actually 'sleep on it'.
Read MoreWhen was the last time you were surprised by something? How often are you surprised as you go through your day?
Being surprised is a good thing! If you’re rarely surprised it means you only see and hear what you expect to, and you may be overlooking vital information that should challenge your views.
Read MoreOur brains really do "keep working" unconsciously, even when we've stopped.
It's why ‘ah-ha!’ moments – those times when ideas suddenly click together when we least expect them to – are much more likely to come about when your mind is relaxed and free from tasks. We call this Click Thinking. It happens when we stop focussing directly on the tasks in hand.
Read MoreOur expertise can give us a false sense of assurance if we fail to realise the situation around us is changing, or we overlook new information or viewpoints that should change or challenge our existing views.
Try looking at your issue from different perspectives - look, look, then look again.
Read MoreWhen asking others for their expert opinion and advice, be sure to sense-check what makes their experience relevant to your situation, NOT how confident they are in their view.
If their expert intuitions are not based on relevant past experience, they may be drawing on assumptions which are out of date or misguided.
Read MoreTake more walks. Leave all distractions behind. Don’t think about anything in particular, but once you’re back, consider what ideas crossed your mind.
It can be really helpful to mull ideas over to help prime for 'ah-ha' moments.
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