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The 'AHA' Moment -> Eureka!!

  • Writer: Patricia Faust
    Patricia Faust
  • Jan 8, 2019
  • 5 min read

Updated: Jan 24, 2019


Any brain function that has the name Eureka must be very special. In reality we all experience these moments. They normally come after much hand-ringing and frustration trying to solve a problem. Then in a flash you have your answer.


Linear Thinking/Conscious Memory

We generally think and problem solve in a linear manner, using our working memory. For as remarkable as our brain is, our working memory can be a bottleneck in processing. It is vulnerable to distraction and is very limited in capacity. Working memory can max out by simply doing multiplication with four numbers. Let’s take this to another level – when we are trying to solve a linear problem we are using our conscious memory. Next, take into consideration the complex tasks our brain performs everyday – for example – what goes on in the brain to keep us standing up? The basal ganglia must perform complex calculations to maintain the right force on the various muscle groups to allow us to stand. We are never aware of these processes because they are on a non-conscious level. They are considered non-conscious because it is automatic and below our level of awareness. Our non-conscious resources to process information are tremendous. An analogy of this comparison, as stated by David Rock (the ‘aha’ moment, 2011): “Relatively speaking, if you think of your conscious processing capacity as the coins in your pocket, then your non-conscious processing capacity is the entire US economy by comparison.”


Now think about everyday life. Are your problems as simple as multiplying a couple of numbers? Or, are they difficult like trying to figure out how to make your product marketable in a down economy? It doesn’t look like working memory has the capacity to be up to that task. Real world problems are non-linear. Even a simple answer is usually not within our working memory’s reach.

With the constraints on working memory it appears that no one solves complex problems at will. The answers just arrive – in the morning, during the night, taking a shower, or doing something pleasant. What strikes me with this list is that the brain will give you an answer when it is at rest. Even that observation is simplistic however. Research into this phenomenon demonstrates that goal-related thinking (thinking related to solving a specific problem) is not only determined by the goals or tasks but individual differences in resting brain state activity also influences the thinking strategy (Kristjasson, 2014). Conclusions: “genetics and life experiences play a role in how each person’s brains rest and subsequently approaches problem solving” (Kristjansson, 2014).


The ‘AHA’ Moment

We understand through research that the ‘aha’ moment appears to be individually attained. However, insight can be viewed as a two phase process.

· First phase of this experience involves the problem solver to be stuck even though they feel they have explored all possible solutions.

· Second phase – suddenly and unexpectedly, after stepping away from fixating on the problem or re-evaluating the problem – an answer is retrieved.

There is some research to support the idea that our insight problems arise from our fixation on the inappropriate solutions of the problem content. Therefore, we can’t get out of our own conscious way of thinking. Solving insight problems require ‘thinking outside the box’. When you break away from this perspective – you allow the solution to emerge as transparent and obvious.

Now that you understand how you experience an ‘aha’ moment, how do you use neuroscience to increase insights?


Here are some guidelines and some tips for increasing insights:


· Quiet:

As mentioned earlier, an insight might be experiential memories – long-forgotten memories. These memories do not have a lot of neurons holding them together. Their signal is below our everyday baseline. Conscious thought likes to determine where we will eat lunch, and this involves millions of neurons speaking to each other. An insight might have a few ten thousand of neurons communicating to each other. These notice signals are just so much lower than everyday conscious thought and cannot be heard. We finally notice these signals when our brains are not so busy. A quiet mind allows insights.


AHA tip: No matter how busy you are, do your best to take breaks between meetings and find some time alone. (Harvard Business Review, October 12, 2016)


· Inward looking:

Instead of focusing on the external environment try to focus on your inner thoughts and ignore what is going on around you.. People often have insights when they are ‘mind-wandering’. This is a form of day-dreaming – we are not following our external problems.


AHA tip: To stimulate optimal daydreaming conditions, don’t over-schedule your days. Allow some downtime on a regular basis. (Harvard Business Review, October 12, 2016)


· Take a Positive Approach:

A lot of research has demonstrated that being slightly happy versus being slightly anxious helps people solve more problems and be more creative. When you are happy you are more apt to view a wider range of information as opposed to those who are anxious and are more tunnel-visioned.

A brain state required for insight is feeling more open, curious, and interested in something.


AHA tip: If you are feeling grumpy when tackling a complex decision, do something to lift your spirits. Take a daily nap to feel your best. (Harvard Business Review, October 12, 2016)


· Use Less Effort:

If you want to have an insight – stop thinking about the problem. This might seem counter-intuitive but when we are stuck – we constantly go over a small set of actions. In repeating the process we prime the brain to only see these solutions – even if they are not viable. It then becomes more difficult to think of new ideas.

Remember that our own non-conscious processing resources are much larger than our conscious ones.

(Rock,D. 2011)


AHA tip: Remember to take a break from any decision-making process. Once you are taking it – focus on something else. (Harvard Business Review, October 12, 2016)


Time to relax – the more anxious you are the less likely you will have insights. When we have a project, or problem, we gather information or put pressure on ourselves. In any situation that is complex and demands insight – it is necessary to quiet the noise in people’s heads and create a space for people to reflect. In a work environment this means – reducing social threat, increase certainty, and finding ways to quiet the brain. Exercise can quiet the brain. When I have blocks, I take a walk and just let thoughts come through. I am always far more creative after a walk.


The bottom line of the ‘aha’ moment is this: Relax, Let go, Let new insights emerge. Eureka!!


References:

Eureka effect. Retrieved July 29, 2015 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eureka_effect.

Kristjanssan,S. (2014). The neuroscience of creativity and an aha moment. Retrieved January 26, 2015 from https://www,emergenectics.com/blog/neuroscience-creativity-aha-moment/

Rock,D. (Feb.2011). the ‘aha’ moment. Retrieved November, 2014 from astd.org/TD.

Rock,D. & Davis,J. (October 12, 2016). 4 steps to having more ‘aha’ moments. Retrieved December 12, 2016 from https://hbr.org/2016/10/4-steps-to-having-more-aha-moments?

 
 
 

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March was an unusual month for me.  Normally I work on articles, give presentations and generally just stay tuned to what is going on in the field of aging.  This month I “learned” a lot.  Last year I learned how to write a book.  At the time I took the course I thought it would just be a natural extension of all the writing I had done over the years.  WRONG!!  The actual writing of the book was the easy part.  Putting it together into a book was difficult for me.  The course gave me step by step lessons on constructing a book.  Then editing and formatting were just as challenging.  On June 7 last year the book was published!  It was one of the most satisfying days of my writing career. 

Naturally, when you self-publish, you do not have a publisher promoting the book and getting it in the right categories for best sales on Amazon.  That was crushing because I really didn’t know to appropriately market it.  I am a brain health person!  In December of last year, I purchased a marketing program that is based on statistics.  I am technical minded and so this approach made sense to me.  The course is almost completed.  Can’t wait to see if it improves sales!

The next step I am looking at is recording an audiobook.  This is another venture I knew nothing about.  But I am already tagged on Facebook for marketing of audio book programs.  Facebook picks up everything.  Now my husband was creative director for an advertising agency and when I told him I purchased another class – he couldn’t believe it.  “This was my business.  I know how to do recordings, why didn’t you ask me?” Well, I knew he was an expert in that business, but this audiobook needs to meet all the criteria that Amazon requires for publication.  So, he can take care of the recording part of this audiobook, and I will navigate the process of meeting Amazon’s requirements.  We worked on the book together like this. 

Then I talked with some coaching experts on the viability of starting group teaching programs.  Reading The Boomer Brain book and implementing the Brain Healthy Lifestyle have two entirely different outcomes.  This lifestyle is important to maintaining high cognitive function throughout the later years of our lives.  Look for updates as to when I will roll this program out.

My last learning endeavor was attending a two-day bootcamp for Speakers.  I am really excited about what I learned there.  That is a late this year or next year project, but it is one I am really looking forward to.

 

What Is Happening in April?

The American Society on Aging is having their annual conference in Orlando Florida April 21-24.  This is the largest multidisciplinary conference on aging and the annual conference for Members of ASA.  I have attended a number of these conferences throughout the years, and it is consequential.  Keynote speakers and special events are focused on combating ageism in our society.  Although this is a professional meeting, the attendees come from all aspects of aging services.  They have their work cut out for them this year!

April is Stress Awareness Month.  We should be aware of stress every month and understand how we can break the stress cycle.  These are stressful times, and we need to protect ourselves

Here is a positive one “April is National Volunteer Month”.  When I am working with new retirees who don’t know what to do, I talk to them about volunteering. It is important to have a purpose after you leave the workforce.  There are so many nonprofits who need help in all aspects of their organizations.  It is a perfect way to give back.

Finally – It was Opening Day for the Cincinnati Reds – the oldest major league team in the nation.  Cincinnati takes that responsibility seriously.  There is always an Opening Day Parade through downtown to the Ball Park.  Huge crowds line the streets and every year there is talk of making it an official holiday.  Schools and employers look the other way when there is an empty desk.  No matter what the outcome of the game is, there is so much joy, and you can feel that energy.  I am fortunate that I get to experience that.  We all need some joy right now. 

Enjoy your April.

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