How to Get an AHA Moment

by Rochelle Melander

Last week we talked about task-switching—and how about 44 percent of the time, we switch tasks because we’re bored

Are you one of those people who interrupt their own work and end up lost on LinkedIn or TikTok?

Let’s say you’re writing a proposal, program, or book that will help you move forward in your work. You’ll attract the attention of people that matter, and it will lead to more opportunities. All good, right?

Maybe. Maybe you’re also struggling with self-doubt. Or you’ve encountered a problem you don’t know how to solve. It’s natural to want to take a break and do more research. Or watch cooking videos on TikTok. (No judgment).

Here’s the cool thing: you can make that break work for you.

Not by going on Tik-Tok. Not even by watching those very soothing ASMR videos.

Instead, take a break to do a rote activity, like knitting, ironing, or washing dishes. Rote activities can help you get that aha moment.

Many writers and artists swear by rote activities to help them discover solutions. Novelist Haruki Murakami runs daily. Author William Gibson mows the lawn. Poet and writer Maya Angelou played cards. The artist and illustrator Maira Kalman irons. When I worked in-house at a magazine, I’d go to the break room and do the dishes. Now I fold laundry or sweep the floor. As I wrote about last week, you’ll get a double boost when you walk in nature, which can reset your ability to pay attention.

Almost always, rote work leads to an aha moment.

What rote activity supports your work? Leave a comment below!