Focus.

Why do our eureka moments arise from quiet contemplation and even sleep?

Research suggests focus allows the brain to cast a broader net and recruit more neurons for the problem at hand. In physics and brain research this is known as phase shifting. For brain purposes, think of phase shifting as the period of time when neurons are released from one task and available for the next. A slightly longer phase shift allows the brain to recruit more available neurons for a new task, dramatically increasing processing power.

Research shows that people who have longer phase shifts demonstrate higher IQs. The effects are both subtle and powerful. A 1 millisecond increase in phase shifting can result in a 20 point increase in IQ.

I'm not aware of research (yet) that directly measures an individual's ability to lengthen phase shifting through mind focusing techniques. But there's a lot of indirect evidence demonstrating that the brain is operating differently and more creatively in a position of calm-- suggesting you can amplify your intellectual effectiveness through focus.

Research seems to be slowly but surely verifying what the ancients have known.

True Leaders

I find that true leaders step-up when everyone else is scared or confused. True leaders delight in clarifying the ambiguous, in accelerating into the unknown, in reconciling controversy, in tackling the daunting, and solving the complex. True leaders know little fear, they are propelled by challenge.

These are times for true leaders. Most of us have never seen more uncertainty. Will the economy recover soon? Or, as Gary Shilling asserts with 23 powerpoint slides, is the economy more permanently broken?

The truth is: no one knows.

But for true leaders there is no dilemma. They do what they always do, including:

-- being relentlessly resourceful
-- taking calculated risks
-- igniting passions, while balancing process
-- fueling the vision
-- striving for the best, while planning for the rest

These are the times when it become obvious who are the true leaders. Leadership reveals across many seasons.

Tough problem? Sleep on it.

Research shows you're twice as likely to solve a difficult problem by sleeping on it. And it's not necessarily because you are rested.

It's because you solve problems differently while sleeping, engaging other parts of the brain. After sleep, you're twice as likely to arrive at a "non-linear", creative answer. These findings are consistent with other research I discuss in my post: the muse comes quietly.

When I'm struggling with a really tough problem, I deliberately utilize my overnight problem solving machine (also known as sleep). It works. And I feel more rested, because I can remove the difficult problem from my to do list.

Often the good ideas like to be invited, not chased.