For the past few generations, we’ve been running our lives and our work according to the factory and assembly line model. This might have worked for the industrial revolution – and it might still work in factories, but how does it apply to creative and mental work?
Last week, I finished listening to the audiobook edition of Hyperefficient by neuroscientist Mithu Storoni. Among other things, the book explains how rather than imposing the traditional structure of work onto our brains, we should change the structure of work to suit the rhythms of the human brain.
For writers, especially fiction writers, big creativity and quality over quantity have always been essential. Here are my three biggest takeaways from the book (and how they’re already helping me):
Understanding the Attention Network
The norepinephrine network operates in three distinct levels of activity, or gears. Gear one is a relaxed, daydreaming state. Gear two is alert and focused – perfect for both writing and working on your author business. Gear three is fight or flight.
Different people have an easier or more difficult time switching gears. Some people might be overstimulated by background noise, but as someone with ADHD, I find that a certain amount of background noise like music or television helps get me focused enough to get to work. Experiment with your environment to find what gets you into that clear, focused state – you don’t want your mind to wander, and you don’t want to be stressed.
Find the Perfect Time to Write
The best time for creative work is early in the morning or late in the evening, while work that requires more precise focus and attention is best scheduled for late morning and late afternoon into the early evening.
I’ve found that I get my best writing work done before 10AM or after 8PM, and I save administrative work for the hours in between. Dr. Storoni describes a post-lunch dip that I’ve definitely experienced for myself, so I try to take a break for a while after eating.
Walking is the Best Break
Whenever you hit that wall in your work (you know the one I’m talking about), the best way to reset your mind is to go for a walk outside. Let your attention rest and don’t ruminate about what you’ve been working on.
I have to be honest – I’ve been dragging my feet about implementing this one. I’m a bit of an indoor cat. But with the weather getting nicer in my neighborhood, I know I’ll be more motivated to try it out.
ACTION STEPS:
- Which of these three tips would make the biggest impact for you? How can you implement them this week?