The Subconscious Superpower: Unlocking Innovation
Welcome to Innovation Café, where we explore the science and strategies behind creativity and problem-solving. Today, let’s dive into an incredible tool for innovation that’s often overlooked: the power of your subconscious mind.
Why the Subconscious Mind is Key to Innovation
The conscious mind—the part of you that’s actively thinking—processes information at a modest pace, around 300 bits per second. It’s great for logical, step-by-step tasks but struggles to connect seemingly unrelated concepts. Note that a new study shows an even slower processing speed, 10 bits per second. I find the MIT study more plausible, as my own testing (done without proper controls or statistical validation) showed a speed similar to that found by MIT. However, hairsplitting over 10 bps vs 300 bps misses the big picture: Neither speed is adequate to explain human survival and achievements.
In contrast, your subconscious mind excels at parallel processing, allowing it to analyze and connect vast amounts of information simultaneously. This ability is the foundation of many breakthroughs in creativity and innovation.
How the Subconscious Drives Creativity
- Pattern Recognition
- Your subconscious is hardwired to spot patterns, even in complex or chaotic environments. For example:
- When you glance at a landscape, your subconscious quickly identifies a camouflaged coyote.
- When you look at tree bark, your brain might “see” faces—evidence of its remarkable ability to find connections.
- Your subconscious is hardwired to spot patterns, even in complex or chaotic environments. For example:
- Connecting Disparate Ideas
- Innovation often involves combining concepts from different fields. The subconscious excels at making these unexpected links because it processes information without the rigid constraints of conscious thought.
- Working Behind the Scenes
- Ever had a eureka moment while taking a shower or walking? That’s your subconscious at work. When your conscious mind takes a break, your subconscious continues to process problems, often leading to creative insights.
How to Harness Your Subconscious Superpower
- Engage in Focused Thinking
- Spend time consciously thinking about the problem or challenge. This “primes” your subconscious with the necessary information.
- Take a Break
- Step away from the problem and engage in a relaxing or unrelated activity. Let your subconscious work in the background.
- Stimulate Your Senses
- Walk in nature, listen to music, or explore art. These activities can trigger the subconscious to generate ideas and connections.
- Embrace Daydreaming
- Allow your mind to wander. Some of the best ideas emerge when you’re not trying to force them. I address this in another video, but I note here as well that while drugs can cause disinhibition similar to daydreaming, the mental impairment that accompanies their use makes drug-induced inhibition a poor, and often counterproductive, way to reach disinhibition.
Final Thoughts
Your subconscious mind is a powerful tool for innovation, capable of solving problems and generating ideas in ways your conscious mind can’t. By understanding and leveraging this “subconscious superpower,” you can unlock new levels of creativity and innovation.
Gary Shuster
Innovation Café