**8 Minute Read** Our brains are the ultimate leverage machines because we have the power to think clearly.  And companies are tripping over themselves trying to figure out a way to make sure their employees think, be creative and innovative.  But turning on the “Thinking Cap” at work is not always easy to do even though it is often expected that we can muster our creativity and best problem-solving skills at will. We all know that being able to think clearly is not like turning on a light switch. It’s not automatic.  In this article I will layout five simple methods to kick-start the thinking process that can be done at work or at home.

How Humans Think

We, humans, are an arrogant species. We believe that our brains are the most evolved in the entire animal kingdom and are more capable of critical thought than any other species. Perhaps so, but for the most part our brain activity is automatic and not voluntary. Our lives can go on without much active ‘thinking”.

The truth is that so much of what we do at work is done on auto-pilot with a very low level of active thinking.

Does that describe your business environment? A lot of repetitive or automated activities. But not many creative stimuli. A ton of monotonous business activity and sameness. So much for having the greatest brains on the planet. So what can we do to actually think better at work? There are five simple solutions that I’ll address shortly. But first – I venture to ask – Are you capable of turning on the ‘thinking cap’ at will? Can you force your brain to be more creative or innovative just because you’ve given it the command to do so? You would hope this is possible. Sadly, it’s not and it would be best that this was recognized and addressed accordingly in order not to adjust expectations and not to waste business resources. Most people simply cannot turn on the ‘creative thinking’ muscle at will for a variety of reasons. Even highly creative people can’t just turn on the light bulb at will. ( just ask artists, writers, musicians, graphic designers, inventors for example). We want to believe that we all have similar mental capabilities. But we don’t. Some people are just plain smarter than others. (Merriam Webster’s dictionary defines Smart as ‘good at learning or thinking about things” and Thinking as ‘the action of using your mind to produce ideas, decisions, memories, etc.”)

What Stops us from Thinking Clearly

You may be wondering what stops us from thinking – especially in a work environment. Let me list just a few of the obvious reasons.

• Deadline pressures – needing to get something accomplished in a limited timeframe
• Distractions – external noise, co-workers, interruptions
• Work Habits – we get used to doing things a certain way
• Multi-Tasking – the inability to compartmentalize – leaving one project aside while working on another
• Work Conditions – cubicle life
• Technology – Computers, phones – always being ‘wired-in’
• Over Stimulation – being too ‘wired’
• Too much Socializing  – spending time with others

So let’s talk some very simple solutions to being able to turn on the thinking cap at work. Let’s get that Grey Matter working smartly. Let’s free up the Brain and let it work efficiently and effectively.

Five Simple Ways to Think Clearly

1 | Take a Walk

Okay – It’s not an earth-shattering insight. But perhaps the most effective and simplest way to get your brain untethered and allow your thought processes to work. It simply doesn’t work station and just take a walk. If possible, walking outside or someplace away from your regular visual and sensory stimuli would be best. Walking by yourself is also much more effectively than with others. It doesn’t take much walking to be able to get your brain to begin working again. And there are very few business environments where you can’t just get up from your chair and walk around a bit, even if it’s to get a glass of water or cup of coffee. I can tell you that this simple exercise actually works. One of my Improv comedy instructors once told me that when she can’t think of what to do in a scene – she just starts walking and ‘bingo’ something always pops into her head. Give it try – you’ll see how effective this is.

2 | Talk Out Loud/Verbalize

We often need to express our inner thoughts but are stymied. Our ideas are at the “tip of our brains”. Talking out-loud gets our thoughts to flow. You can do this simply by talking in your cubicle or office. Or into a digital voice recorder (This my preferred solution so that you don’t lose all those great ideas you’ve been verbalizing). Another option is to have a thought buddy. Perhaps a business colleague, co-worker, cubicle neighbor. Have them just ‘listen’ while you get your ideas to flow from your brain through your mouth. Often talking to others (instead of your internal dialogue) is best solution.

3 | Have an Idea Notebook

This is a variation of the Talk Out Loud solution. Only instead of verbalizing – you write down without concern for editing, formatting or spelling what your thoughts and ideas are. Having a dedicated “Thought /Idea Notebook” near you at all times empowers you to capture your creative thinking in the moment. It’s important NOT to use your computer, smartphone or tablet for this. Not that they can’t be used for this purpose, but the tether to technology is just so strong that the chances that you will become distracted by other programs or files on your device are too strong.

4 | Exercise

Okay I know that most people can go for a run, attend a yoga class, go for a swim or pump iron in the middle of the workday. However, if you have the ability to do this at a company gym or during your lunch break, this is an absolutely great way to get the brain free to think. Or just do some push-ups or sit-ups in your cubicle. Anything to get the blood flowing to the brain. Remember though to ‘untether’. Don’t be watching TV or listening to some podcast that require your mental concentration. Best to do this without any other visual or audio distraction. Or at most some quiet music in the background. The point is to get your endorphins moving and have your body disconnect from other stimuli.

5 | Go for a Drive

This is honestly my preferred method of creative thinking. Finding a non-crowded stretch of road where I can essentially drive on auto pilot allows the brain to be in the moment. Put your brain in a position to ‘Day Dream”. You’ll be amazed how active the brain is when it is allowed to ‘dream’. Of course, this solution is probably the most challenging for most working people. But it is truly effective. To recap – thinking is a critical business function. For a business (or your professional career) to progress it is important to hone mechanisms that will enhance your ability to think.

RECAP

Here’s a short list of 5 easy ways to help your thinking process.

1 | Take a walk

2 | Talk out loud/verbalize/record

3 | Have an Idea notebook

4 | Exercise

5 | Go for a drive.