643: Srini Pillay | The Power of the Unfocused Mind

Aug 15, 2017

Srini Pillay, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and author of "Tinker Dabble Doodle Try," shares fascinating insights into the unfocused mind. He explains how daydreaming, doodling, and flexibility in thinking can enhance creativity and problem-solving. By embracing 'possibility thinking,' we can challenge limits and discover new opportunities. Pillay also highlights the importance of balancing focused and unfocused thinking for personal growth, resilience, and innovative adaptability in both life and entrepreneurial journeys.

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INSIGHT

Most Brain Activity Is Unconscious

Only 2-10% of brain activity is conscious while 90-98% is unconscious.
Major life changes require tapping into this rich unconscious "soil" to grow mental strength.

INSIGHT

Focus vs Unfocus Brain Metaphors

Focus uses brain parts that represent concrete identity elements like name and job.
Unfocus activates richer identity representation with memories, paradoxes, and emotional nuances.

ADVICE

Boost Creativity with Daydreaming

Schedule 15 minutes for positive constructive daydreaming during natural daily slumps.
Pair daydreaming with low-key activities like walking or knitting for best creativity boost.

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Srini Pillay (@srinipillay) is a world renowned, Harvard-trained psychiatrist, former Director of the Outpatient Anxiety Disorders Program at McLean Hospital, and author of Tinker Dabble Doodle Try: Unlock the Power of the Unfocused Mind. "Most of us spend about 46.9 percent of our days daydreaming anyway. So why not learn to unfocus in a more productive way?" -Srini Pillay The Cheat Sheet: When 90-98 percent of mental activity is unconscious, focus can only get you so far. How focus and unfocus work in the brain. How positive constructive daydreaming helps us become more creative. Why doodling can improve memory by 29 percent. Discover the concept of possibility thinking for solving seemingly intractable problems. And so much more... Full show notes at https://theartofcharm.com/643/ Find out more about the team who makes The Art of Charm podcast here! With pain-free invoicing, FreshBooks helps entrepreneurs and freelancers save time and avoid a lot of the stress that comes with running a small business. Try a month of unrestricted use for free here (no credit card required)! Enter ART OF CHARM in the How You Heard About Us section. Learn over 500 subjects (no tests or homework!) at The Great Courses Plus -- The Art of Charm listeners get one month free here! Does your business have an Internet presence? Now save a whopping 50% on new webhosting packages here with HostGator by using coupon code CHARM! With Business Platinum from American Express, it's not about where you are, it's about where you want to take your business next. Explore the Power of The Business Platinum Card here! Catch season two of Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath on A&E! Free yourself from typing notes, reports, and documents by going with the transcriptionists we trust here at AoC: TranscriptionOutsourcing.net -- 99% or higher accuracy guaranteed! HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! If you dig the show, please subscribe in iTunes and write us a review! This is what helps us stand out from the crowd and help people find the credible advice they need. Review the show in iTunes! We rely on it! http://www.theartofcharm.com/mobilereview Stay Charming!

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