OUTWORK Everyone

By Being BORED

CRITICAL Neural Networks

When it comes to outworking everyone, one key aspect is the executive function network in our brains. This network is responsible for cognitive processes and mental skills that help us plan, monitor, and achieve our goals. It includes things like attentional control, working memory, inhibition, and problem-solving.

Some people often experience executive dysfunction. This can make it challenging to control their attention. They can make up for it with a hyperactive default mode network. This network is active when their attention isn't focused on external stimuli. It allows their thoughts to wander inward, leading to true creativity and making new connections and associations.

Does Boredom ACTUALLY Enhance Creativity?

In a study, participants were split into two groups. One group had to copy phone numbers by hand, while the other group had to read them out loud. Both tasks were pretty boring, but reading the numbers out loud was considered even more boring because it didn't require as much active engagement as writing them down.

Then, in the next stage of the study, participants had to come up with creative uses for a brick. Both the group that wrote the numbers and the group that spoke them outperformed the control group. The group that spoke the numbers, the one that was supposedly more bored, actually came up with the longest list of creative uses for the brick.

So, when we go through a bit of boredom, it can actually spark our creativity and help us come up with more innovative ideas.

Dumbing Down Your Smart Phone

First, try turning on grayscale mode. Our brains are wired to be captivated by vibrant colors, so by switching your phone to black and white, it becomes less visually stimulating. Another tip is to disable notifications or put your phone on silent mode. Notifications constantly grab our attention, leading to frequent distractions.

Next, consider organizing your apps and removing unnecessary ones. Having a cluttered home screen can make it easier to mindlessly scroll through apps. You can also set specific time limits for app usage. Many smartphones now have built-in features that allow you to track and limit the time you spend on certain apps.

Lastly, try establishing phone-free zones or times during your day. Designate certain areas or periods where you intentionally keep your phone out of reach or turn it off completely.

Make Space for Boredom

Instead of constantly listening to music, audiobooks, or podcasts while driving or walking, embrace moments of silence. It gives your subconscious mind the opportunity to keep working on the task at hand.

Second, take boring breaks. Use the Pomodoro Technique, where you work in 25-minute sprints with five-minute breaks. But during those breaks, avoid doing anything interesting like reaching for your phone or scrolling through social media. Instead, do something boring, like staring out the window. The idea is to keep your mind from getting overstimulated and make you eager to get back to work.

Lastly, increase your capacity to be bored. One way to do this is through meditation. Sit still for 15 minutes with your eyes shut, without falling asleep. It doesn't matter if your mind wanders. The goal is to simply sit with the boredom and not try to do anything about it.

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