Our brains are designed to be efficient. Once a habit is formed, then we don’t really notice much outside what’s necessary to do those ordinary things. Think of your customary path to work; you probably pass hundreds of signs, but just don’t notice.
On the other hand, you jump out of that rut if there’s a change. But the more you can train yourself to be flexible, the better you can react to change in a positive manner. It just like your body – stretching regularly builds flexibility.
Watching for the new is great practice for brain flexibility. If, every day, you try something new, you’ll be less stressed when you're forced to change. Celebrate the variety around you. It's usually something small, such as a new flavor of soda. Or it could be trying a new recipe, a new way to get to work, or a restaurant where you’ve never been.
by Dr Sabra BrockOur brains are designed to be efficient. Once a habit is formed, then we don?t really notice much outside what?s necessary to
The sights that fill our eyes everyday are as important to our nourishment and health as the foods that fill our mouths. It’s right to think about and search out healthy, nourishing food and drink, but putting time into seeing the world around you is key to a life well lived.
by Dr Sabra Brock, co-founder of Idea Spies
How many different signs does the average person get exposed to every day? At least hundreds. There are over 1000 different variants of highway signs, not even thinking about signs in parks. And how many attempt to engage the viewer?
The posting of signs posted in Sydney parks are pretty special in that they engage dog walkers while bring a smile to our faces. What a clever idea! The message is serious (dogs must be on leash), but the art is fanciful and engaging, especially to dog owners.
Wouldn’t it be great if more signs made an attempt to engage the viewer? Manhattan has a problem with dog walkers allowing their pets to urinate on the flower we lovingly cultivate at the base of trees. Each block tries to convince dog owners to STOP THAT. Almost always, these are pleading or punitive. Perhaps it would work better to follow the Australian lead.
Highway sign designers could also be encourage to test their signs with visitors. Too many signs are only for those who already know whe
Our world and our lives are complex and seem to grow more so every hour. How can you better deal with complexity and even prosper? I believe if you change the way you observe the complexity you encounter, you can.
Complexity brings bigger, more knotty problems. First step is to describe the big problem and then break it down into smaller problems. Once you’re pulled out the threads of smaller problems you can brainstorm solutions to the ones that have immediate answers. And reduce the risk for those that don’t. See, the big knotty problem is already smaller.
Here’s an example. I have to get back home by 5 pm after a long weekend in the country, but there is roadwork. What are the sub-problems? The 5 pm deadline: - can it be changed so that I can drive when the highway is freer? The slow drive – are there alternate modes of transportation such as a train? The highway itself – what are the alternate routings?
