Introduction Flashcards
What are the two modes of thinking and their characteristics?
What do they look like on a pinball machine?
Bonus points - how did Dali/Edison use one of these modes?
Modes of thinking - two ways to approach solving a problem:
(1) Diffuse mode - big picture thinking, if need new ideas/concepts that haven’t thought before, cant focus intensely on one idea, embrace distractions, let mind wander freely and and make connections at random. Happens when doing other things (shower/run)
(2) Focused mode - concentrate intensely on a problem, well walked neural paths, using familiar thought patterns. No distractions.
Dali/Edison - relax in chair, loosely thinking about topic at hand with keys/ball bearing in hand. As fall asleep, implements drop and wake up to collect thoughts.
Why do we need both modes?
How can you use both modes?
Why do we need both modes?
- When learn s/thing is new and difficult, mind needs to go back and forth between both. Both are required to master a topic.
- As need context for info (diffuse) and specifics of subject (focused).
- NB: can only use one mode at a time. Different sides of same coin.
How to use both modes?
- Alternate between both to master a topic. F to understand a topic basics w/o distractions. D to passively internalize learning and connect to what we already know, back to F to pare down connections to best and most helpful.
- Repeat above to master.
NB: too much F is bad!
Where does procrastination come from?
How to overcome procrastination?
What techniques to ovecome?
Where P comes from
- When look at s/thing we don’t want to do, it triggers the same area of the brain where we feel pain.
How to overcome
- once have started to work, get over that pain and and neural distraction disappears (scientifically proven).
Techniques
- Pomodoro, with three lists, intense focus and reward once done.
Why is practice important for abstract ideas especially?
What ideal structure does this create?
Abstract ideas are hard to grasp. Cant see debt, or FCF, etc. Therefore, the more abstract an idea, the more practice required. Makes ‘the abstract’ real, creating ‘real’ neural thought patterns.
Builds the strong neural structures - think if a brick wall with strong cement holding it in place.
Introduction to memory
- What are the two types of memory?
Two types of memory
(1) Long term memory - storage warehouse. Remember a single concepts.
(2) Working memory - hold a few ideas in mind to connect together for task at hand. Only holds the ‘chunks’ of info. Repeat it to keep it in mind. 4 slots of working memory to use.
How do you process and remember a new concept?
Spaced repetition: rather than doing 20 reps in one day, space 20 reps over multiple days.
M, T, W –> F–>Sun.
What is the importance of sleep in learning (3 parts)?
While awake brain produces toxins and sleep removes it.
Tidies up learning - removes less impt, strengthens what you have learnt, practices tougher elements, rehearses it.
Tactic - review before bed and say you want to dream about it. Shown to increase ability.
Can we create new neurons?
How do you enhance the process of creation (2)?
The hippo campus has been shown to create new neurons.
If you have a enriched environment and and exercise - will increase the no and strength of neurons being produced and those that survive.
What are the key ingredients for success?
Passion and persistence, rather than raw smarts.
Walking
What mode of thinking is it helpful for?
What aspects of walking help this mode (3)?
- Good for diffuse mode (multiple answers), not focused (single answers)
- Pace you walk at matches the your mental state
- Takes no conscious effort, mind is free to wander
- Environment adds to mental stimulation: if overstimulated seek greenery, under stimulated - cityscape and vice versa
- Scientifically proven to improve ideation
