The art of the ‘aha’ moment
Posted on June 12th, 2008 | by Nick Grinberg |Don’t you love that single, fleeting moment that you come up with the brain wave you were so desperately seeking (or not seeking)? That empirical epiphany that makes you go…”THATS IT”! Like when Archimedes realised that the density of an object is proportional to the water displaced by it and ran naked through the streets shouting “Eureka”!
Or when you have been arguing with someone passionately - only to have that ‘aha’ from something they have said to be proven wrong (how we alllll love that one!)
Well what is it that stimulates your brain into creative high-gear? Why is it that one day you can be a powerhouse of ideas and the next you feel you have the creative ability of a calculator? I’m not going to delve deeply into the scientific principles of brain function - but would like to share a couple of instances where I get my ‘AHA’ moments.
From failing
Looking deep into your lessons can give you real world ‘aha’ moments where you realise where you went wrong. Often, the harder it hurts…the the bigger the potential ‘AHA’!
New perspectives
People that make me think about things from a different angle or viewpoint. I’m in the stage of my life where I prefer listening to talking. Listening allows me to learn from whoever I am talking to - and maybe achieve that realisation that my previous perspective had not allowed me to.
It is great to get a large variety of opinions from a bunch of different people . Ronald S. Burt, a sociologist at the University of Chicago said that…”People who live in the intersection of social worlds…are at higher risk of having good ideas.”
Things that you notice/piss you off in everyday life
Always looking at various everyday processes and noticing what can be improved or re-applied in a different context.
It could be as simple as taking an existing product…AND PUTTING A CLOCK IN IT!
It also comes natural after a while to notice where people’s demand is not being met. Sometimes, this is all the stimulus a young entrepreneur needs to develop a solution.
Exercising
I can get some of my best ideas whilst running or hitting the gym. I think its the extra brain stimulation from all the working muscles that does it.
Generally, people will tend to have a more positive perspective after a good exercise session - allowing inspiration to creep in!
Coffee or Redbull
Yes…I am addicted to caffeine. Having experience in the Nutrition Sector - I realise the adverse long-term health effects of coffee.
On the same note I think I can’t look past how alert and dynamic a cup makes me feel - especially when I need to solve a pressing problem. The extra stimulation of brain activity is often priceless to lift you out of a rut when you need extra performance (I hope I don’t sound like a drug-dealer!).
That’s me though…as I have seen some funny instances of over-stimulation caused by caffeine overconsumption :).
Over to you
Where do you get your “AHA’s” from?
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