intentional distraction.

There many different types of inspiration along the entire continuum from serendipity to very targeted strategic inspiration, but one of the most overlooked access points to inspiration is intentional distraction -- when you purposefully take your mind off the problem at hand so your unconscious mind can do a little work for you.

Intentional distraction is similar to a "let me sleep on that" approach. But it works during the day as well and it's core to the way that I find solutions. Too often, we just keep "pushing through", thinking that continuing to work on something will net results. We equate time spent with a better outcome. In reality, standing up and literally banging your head against the wall for a few minutes might be a better approach to mental obstacles.

In a recent posting on the Measure to Measure blog, Peter Holsapple, discusses how the process works for songwriting. Is business really any different?