Think Outside Your Head

Think outside your head …

These words from author Austin Kleon were exactly what I needed to hear while doing my best Winnie the Pooh impression of ‘Think. Think. Think.’

A classic knowing-doing gap example whereby I know that focused, direct attention on the problem never works as well as stepping back and away from the problem.

A walk around the block.

A cup of tea and a break from the screen.

A mundane, everyday task.

An unrelated conversation with someone.

A quick brain-break scroll or game.

Anything that gets us out of our heads will do; a pause, change of direction and some basic body movement works wonder for our thinking. 

Before we know it, the solution appears. And, as an added bonus, we will have taken a break and done something fun, relaxing, or simply different. Win-win.

I’m curious what your go-to is when it is time to think outside your head?