Incubation
Incubation is a period of removing the problem from conscious work, during which the mind can implicitly organize information and create new associations.
Definition
In creative processes, incubation means a break after intense contact with a problem. It is not passive waiting without prior effort; works best when data has been collected, the question has been asked, and a solution has been attempted. Taking a break can reduce fixation and help a fresh perspective emerge.
Key ideas
- Break after exercise
- Implicit processing
- Reducing fixation
Practice and life
After 45-90 minutes of working on a difficult problem, write down your current hypotheses, step away from the task for a walk or a simple activity, and after a break return to one new version of the solution.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to confuse incubation with procrastination. A common mistake is to expect a revelation without first saturating your mind with the problem.
> Often the solution needs a moment of silence to reach the right place in the head.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- Was I really working on the problem before the break?
- What do I write down before I leave a task?
- What new perspective emerged after the break?