How I get my best ideas as a freelancer

This quote often finds its way back into my life, and does so in weird and unexpected moments (which is pretty meta, actually, given the quote!).

But… it captures something important when it comes to how I tap into creative thinking as a freelancer: The best ideas always come to me when I’m not expecting them. And when they do, they tend to be some of my best ideas ever.

On the other hand, when I sit at my desk and focus reeeaaalllyyy hard on trying to come up with the solution… Nada. Just tension and irritation and white space.

As a freelancer especially, who mostly works alone, knowing this ^ is the key to a really great superpower: Unfocussed attention.

Focussed vs. Unfocussed Attention

Alright, some definitions…

Imagine you have 10 marbles of focus to spend on things.

Focussed attention is about putting all 10 marbles of your focus into one thing. And it often involved very tactile, hands-on attention as well. Think: Writing and mapping things out on a piece of paper, or going rock-climbing.

Unfocussed attention, on the other hand, is spending 6 marbles on something, and giving your brain the other 4 to spend on whatever comes up. It’s about giving your mind space and freedom to wander in the background. Think: Reading a book, and halfway down the page you think of something that kind of relates to what you’re reading; or going for a run, and kind of going on a long and weird train of thought based on whatever you see or think of on your run.

Note: Unfocussed attention is different from distraction. Distraction is more like rolling your 10 marbles around in your hand, and dropping them every so often; where-as unfocussed attention is intentional putting 6 of them into one bucket, and letting the others roll themselves around. (Is the analogy getting too abstract? Haha)

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👨‍💻 The power of focussed attention

I’ve found this kind of attention is best suited for developing ideas.

Once I’ve got a promising solution of creative idea, I use focussed attention for really fleshing it out and building on it. I normally put on some good music, get my bottle of water of a coffee, and try do the “25min work, 5min break“ thing (the pomodoro method).

However, because focussed attention is very sedentary, isolating, and “closed in”, it makes thinking creatively very difficult. There’s no room to think laterally, because I’ve set up the environment for depth and detail.

So…

🏃‍♂️The power of unfocussed attention

I’ve found this kind of attention is best suited for generating ideas.

If I need to come up with novel ideas, I try let my mind wander as much as possible. It has to, otherwise I’m just going stay in the same lanes I always work in.

My favourite kind of unfocussed attention is exercising (swimming, running, cycling, weight-lighting, etc.). I’m putting 6 marbles into my stroke, my step, or the routine I’m following, but in the back of my mind I’m still mulling over whatever creative problem needs solving.

Another kind of unfocussed attention that works for me is reading or catching-up with friends and people in my network.

Reading often opens my mind to ideas that are tangentially related to whatever problem I’m trying to solve, and then I access transferrable knowledge.

And a similar thing happens when I’m talking to other people, where-by hearing them talk to me about things they are trying to solve in different areas and fields helps me think differently about the thing I’m trying to solve.

So, what now?

Honestly, the first thing to do is find out what kind of unfocussed attention you enjoy (most importantly), and then experiment with which of those you enjoy help you think more creatively about problems.

It’s trial-and-error, and also might change from month-to-month — so don’t get too married to one kind of unfocussed attention, or be disappointed when something that used to help you doesn’t anymore!

Here are some unfocussed attention activities you can try:

• Exercise:

  • Swimming: Focus on the rhythm of your strokes, and let your mind wander.

  • Running: Pay attention to your steps, surroundings, and allow your thoughts to flow.

  • Cycling: As you pedal, let your thoughts race as well.

  • Weight-lifting: Between sets, your mind might drift into creative territory.

• Reading:

  • Fiction: Let the story take you to different worlds and perspectives.

  • Non-fiction: Explore topics you’re unfamiliar with. You might find a novel solution in an unrelated field.

  • Articles or Blogs: Catch up on current events or personal stories; the diversity can spark ideas.

• Social Interactions:

  • Catching up with friends: Engaging in casual conversations can make you think of problems differently.

  • Networking: Talking to professionals in other fields might give a fresh perspective.

  • Join a group or club: Engage in activities or discussions outside of your usual interests.

• Artistic Activities:

  • Drawing or painting: Even if you're not a professional, just let your hand move and your thoughts flow.

  • Listening to music: Songs can evoke emotions and thoughts you weren’t aware of.

  • Playing an instrument: The process might unlock new avenues of thinking.

  • Photography: Exploring angles, lights, and subjects can stir your creativity.

• Nature Activities:

  • Walking in a park: The greenery and peace can help you reflect.

  • Gardening: Engaging with plants might help ideas bloom.

  • Star gazing: Looking at the vastness can lead to expansive thinking.

  • Fishing: Sitting by the water and waiting can be a meditative activity.

  • Kayaking or canoeing: The gentle motion on water can let your mind flow.

  • Beachcombing: Walking along the beach and collecting shells or rocks can be therapeutic.

  • Bird watching: Observing nature and waiting for birds can be a relaxing activity that lets your mind wander.

  • Hiking: Climbing terrains and taking in vistas can be a breath of fresh inspiration.

• Mindfulness and Meditation:

  • Yoga: Concentrate on your poses and breathing, allowing the mind to rest and wander.

  • Meditation: Sit in silence, observe your thoughts, and let them come and go.

• Travel and Exploration:

  • Day trips: Visit a nearby town or attraction you've never been to.

  • Cultural experiences: Attend a festival, exhibition, or event from a culture different from your own.

• Cooking and Baking:

  • Experiment with a new recipe: The process might lead your mind to wander.

  • Food tasting: Visit a new restaurant or café. The ambiance and flavors might inspire you.

• Crafts and DIY:

  • Pottery or ceramics: Molding clay or designing a ceramic piece can be meditative.

  • Knitting or crocheting: The repetitive actions can allow your mind to drift.

  • Building or woodworking: Working with your hands can occupy part of your focus, allowing the rest to wander.

• Games and Puzzles:

  • Jigsaw puzzles: While piecing together, your mind might connect different ideas as well.

  • Board games: Playing strategic games might trigger unexpected thoughts.

• Learning a New Skill:

  • Language learning: Dive into a new language; the process can change how you think.

  • Dance: Take a dance class and let the rhythm guide your thoughts.

• Writing and Journaling:

  • Free writing: Write without any specific topic or agenda and see where it leads.

  • Bullet journaling: Plan and doodle simultaneously, allowing thoughts to merge.