When I was in college it always took me awhile to complete the research for papers. The major reason was that I always found so many interesting studies to read. They might not have been relevant for the paper I was writing, but it was hard to resist reading them anyway.
One related to brain functioning. It said that either the subconscious or unconscious (I forget which—or maybe it was both—let’s call it the back of the brain) was always working. Since it was always working, we might as well have the conscious part of our brain (let’s call it the front of the brain) tell the back of the brain what we wanted it to do.
I was going to college full-time and working 30-40 hours a week to pay for college. I needed all the help I could get to make best use of the time I had, so I started experimenting with this. I would tell the back of my brain things like: “I have to write a paper on XYZ. What should I include? How should I organize it?” Then I would work on other things for a day or two. When I sat down to work on the paper, the information flowed. I had much more information than I ever had when I tried to write something “cold.”
The more I used this technique, the better it worked. I still use it.
For example, a few days ago I had the idea that this topic would make a good blog. If I had sat down and tried writing it the minute I had the idea, I would have struggled. Instead, the front of my brain told the back of my brain to work on this idea. Now, the thoughts are pouring out, faster than I can type.
I use this for large projects, such as writing books. With a book, I tell the back of my brain to work first on the overall concepts and content of the book and as I start writing, I tell it to work in more detail on the next chapter. It works! I have more trouble finding time to write than I do in getting thoughts on paper once I have time to do it.
I also use this for little things such as planning parties, holiday dinners, and vacations. People comment on how organized I am. To a large degree, I think it is because I use the back of my brain to work on things while the front of my brain is focused on other items.
If you don’t already do this, I suggest that you try it. If it works, you might find that you are more productive. If it doesn’t work, you haven’t lost a thing.
