I agree with this mostly, but with some nuance: sometimes closing loops can be a way of avoiding the work you really need to do. The real trick is in not opening loops in the first place, like not checking email until you’ve done your most important thing, and not taking on projects that distract you. There’s also something to be said for offloading things onto a list to clear up working memory (and get back to the real work), although lists are more about temporary relief and only really work if you’re in the habit of clearing the decks. Lastly, you can intentionally open and reopen loops with daily habits and rituals.
I was (and am) a big fantasy nerd. But had more time for reading fantasy novels when I was a kid. I ran across a passage in a cheap 80s fantasy paperback where the main character shared that when he had a problem to solve, he would stop thinking about it for a while to let his subconscious chew on it and then come back to it later or let the answers appear.
It stuck with me and has been part of my subroutines ever since. I appreciate how you've expanded on this notion and the suggestion for folks to close loops is fantastic!
In a more recent example, I've been in job acquisition mode for the last few months and it wasn't until I got a system down that closed some of those open loops (stuff like how to build new connections,when to reach out, what actions to take, how often to take them, etc) that outcomes feel like they can flourish out of these actions. And now that the system is in place, I find that new ideas are coming to me that would have never popped into my field of view. Good stuff!
This comment is too long but always appreciate your writing and I wondered why the writing was not as consistent so appreciate you touching on that too.
I really liked this thanks. My whole life I’ve been like an absent minded professor. I came to realize that my mind prioritized the big picture things I was imagining, and allowed smaller details to fall off. And I look back and see how without realizing it I was always fighting to assure that I had plenty of time for thinking. And it’s been a good life…my ideas have made progress and created things in the world. Your piece helped me understand that inner process better.
I knew about the 7 bits of information we can hold in working memory, but I love the way you went from there and applied it to everyday life. I think I've always known and tried to close as many loops as I can, but never knew quite what I was doing or why. Glad I better understand it now, all thanks to you! 😄
Well.. there you have it. Psychology and the good ole fashion common sense with the extra rubber bands to slap on your wrist when you get the anxiety. I believe in what you've said and mostly wanna go buy a notebook and write down my questions and concerns over my trials. As I listen to Sweet Hour of Prayer for the 3rd time I think, I can't help but give back to this as I have taken away. Thanks for this insightful thing you've written. I think that Jesus tells us in a parable of the four soils of the dangers of the lure of riches and the cares of this world, how they CHOKE out the precious Word of God. That's my aspect, but yes this article prompts me to take care of business and close some loops. I have understood much more about the subconscious mind and the working memory and I appreciate this one you wrote. I write Music too and it's such a stress relief too. I usually put everything in a compact poetic form with a melody to explain myself and eventually put it out there for the world in need.
I agree with this mostly, but with some nuance: sometimes closing loops can be a way of avoiding the work you really need to do. The real trick is in not opening loops in the first place, like not checking email until you’ve done your most important thing, and not taking on projects that distract you. There’s also something to be said for offloading things onto a list to clear up working memory (and get back to the real work), although lists are more about temporary relief and only really work if you’re in the habit of clearing the decks. Lastly, you can intentionally open and reopen loops with daily habits and rituals.
All good points. That's so true about lists.
I was (and am) a big fantasy nerd. But had more time for reading fantasy novels when I was a kid. I ran across a passage in a cheap 80s fantasy paperback where the main character shared that when he had a problem to solve, he would stop thinking about it for a while to let his subconscious chew on it and then come back to it later or let the answers appear.
It stuck with me and has been part of my subroutines ever since. I appreciate how you've expanded on this notion and the suggestion for folks to close loops is fantastic!
In a more recent example, I've been in job acquisition mode for the last few months and it wasn't until I got a system down that closed some of those open loops (stuff like how to build new connections,when to reach out, what actions to take, how often to take them, etc) that outcomes feel like they can flourish out of these actions. And now that the system is in place, I find that new ideas are coming to me that would have never popped into my field of view. Good stuff!
This comment is too long but always appreciate your writing and I wondered why the writing was not as consistent so appreciate you touching on that too.
Have a great day, Justin!
That is awesome to hear. Good for you.
Yes I've been a bit of a disaster lately, creatively, but I think I've got some of my mental land back. So to speak.
Cheers my friend
Oh, now that is some strong form. Thank you for sending this out.
I really liked this thanks. My whole life I’ve been like an absent minded professor. I came to realize that my mind prioritized the big picture things I was imagining, and allowed smaller details to fall off. And I look back and see how without realizing it I was always fighting to assure that I had plenty of time for thinking. And it’s been a good life…my ideas have made progress and created things in the world. Your piece helped me understand that inner process better.
Lovely to hear. Thank you for reading.
I knew about the 7 bits of information we can hold in working memory, but I love the way you went from there and applied it to everyday life. I think I've always known and tried to close as many loops as I can, but never knew quite what I was doing or why. Glad I better understand it now, all thanks to you! 😄
Well.. there you have it. Psychology and the good ole fashion common sense with the extra rubber bands to slap on your wrist when you get the anxiety. I believe in what you've said and mostly wanna go buy a notebook and write down my questions and concerns over my trials. As I listen to Sweet Hour of Prayer for the 3rd time I think, I can't help but give back to this as I have taken away. Thanks for this insightful thing you've written. I think that Jesus tells us in a parable of the four soils of the dangers of the lure of riches and the cares of this world, how they CHOKE out the precious Word of God. That's my aspect, but yes this article prompts me to take care of business and close some loops. I have understood much more about the subconscious mind and the working memory and I appreciate this one you wrote. I write Music too and it's such a stress relief too. I usually put everything in a compact poetic form with a melody to explain myself and eventually put it out there for the world in need.