The unexpected benefits of unfocusing

Srinivasan Pillay

with Srinivasan Pillay

Humanist, Author, Neurocoaching Pioneer

The unexpected benefits of unfocusing

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Srini Pillay Joins Moe Abdou to explore the science behind your mind’s constant ability to wander.   His new book is – Tinker Dabble Doodle Try.

Tinker, Dabble, Doodle – Try

There’s been plenty of fascinating research on the scientific triggers of creativity and innovation; yet few will ever praise the deliberate practice of what Srini Pillay calls, un-focusing.  In the decade since I’ve known him, I’ve hardly seen him do anything conventionally – not only is he the quintessential contrarian, more importantly, he shares a worldview that you’ll find both convincing and a bit outlandish.  

Of the three books that he has published, it’s his latest – Tinker, Dabble, Doodle – Try:  Unlock the Power of the Unfocused Mind, that captures the true essence of who he is, and the manner in which he approaches his work as a strategic advisor.  In this interview, I focus on the shift in perspective that one needs to make to ignite that often hidden dimension of creativity – here are a few of the questions that we explore:

  • What does the word Focus really mean – and it’s opposite?
  • How learning to unfocus will sharpen your ability to focus?
  • How not to let emotions – negative or positive – hijack your mind?
  • Learning to leverage the constant mind chatter 
  • The difference between planned and unplanned daydreaming?
  • Getting better at super-tasking 
  • What is possibilities thinking & how you can ritualize it?