Jeff Bezos uses ‘mind wandering’ to boost productivity but what is it?

Jeff Bezos, the mastermind behind Amazon and Blue Origin, has a surprising secret weapon in his productivity arsenal: mind wandering. Unlike the stereotype of the hyper-focused CEO, Bezos embraces letting his mind roam freely during meetings, fostering a culture of “messy meetings” that spark creativity and innovation.

“I don’t keep to a strict schedule,” CNBC Make It quoted the 60-year-old saying. “My meetings often go longer than I plan for them to, because I believe in [mind] wandering.”

What is mind wandering?

Mind wandering, often labelled as “daydreaming” or having a “scattered brain,” is simply the act of your mind drifting away from the immediate task at hand.

As Dr Neerja Agarwal, psychologist and co-founder of Emoneeds, explained, it’s a natural cognitive process where our attention shifts from the immediate environment to internal thoughts, memories, or plans.

Why is mind wandering beneficial?

While it may seem counterintuitive, research suggests that mind wandering can enhance productivity in several ways. Here’s what Dr Agarwal had to say:

Boosts Creativity: Freeing your mind allows the subconscious to make connections and generate unexpected ideas.

Focus on one task at a time, allowing your mind to fully engage before taking a break. (Source: Freepik)

Improves Problem-Solving: Stepping away from the problem can help you return with a fresh perspective and novel solutions.

Enhances Memory Consolidation: Mind wandering allows the brain to solidify memories and information learned earlier.

Reduces Stress: Taking a mental break can alleviate stress, leading to improved focus and cognitive performance.

Dr Agarwal further emphasised how mind wandering helps the brain rest and recharge. When we engage in mind wandering, we prevent mental fatigue and burnout, allowing us to return to focused tasks with renewed energy. Additionally, mind wandering can facilitate creative thinking by allowing the brain to make connections between seemingly unrelated ideas.

How to embrace mind wandering for productivity

Inspired by Bezos‘ approach, here’s how you can incorporate mind wandering into your workday, according to Dr Agarwal:

Schedule “Thinking Breaks”: Plan short breaks throughout your day where you allow your mind to wander freely.

Ditch the Multitasking: Focus on one task at a time, allowing your mind to fully engage before taking a break.

Embrace Nature: Go for a walk or spend time outdoors. A change of scenery can spark new ideas.

Engage in Mindful Doodling: Doodling can be a form of active mind wandering that can unlock creative solutions.

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