Location, Location, Location!
Ever noticed how your most brilliant ideas often emerge during a shower, a walk, or while gazing out of a window? That’s not mere coincidence—it’s neuroscience at work.
The Power of the Default Mode Network (DMN)
When you’re not actively focusing on a task, your brain engages the Default Mode Network (DMN). This network becomes active during restful states—like daydreaming or light activity—and is crucial for creative thinking and problem-solving.
A recent study by Chao et al. (2025) from the University of Tokyo, published in Psychology Today, delves into this phenomenon. The researchers discovered that individuals who allowed their minds to wander—entering a state of ‘de-fixation’—were more likely to solve complex problems requiring insight. This mental state facilitates ‘long-distance exploration,’ enabling the brain to connect disparate ideas and foster breakthroughs.
Coaching and the DMN: Creating Space for Insight
In my coaching sessions, when clients are given the space to pause and reflect—without immediate pressure to respond—they often experience significant breakthroughs. This practice activates the DMN, allowing for deeper self-reflection and the emergence of innovative ideas.
I have found I get even better results for my clients when we go for a walk – or gaze out of my window together. And it is not surprising as we are simply layering on different ways that the DMN can thrive.
As coaches, our role is to provide a safe environment for this exploration, encouraging clients to articulate thoughts they’ve perhaps never voiced before. This process not only fosters insight but also builds trust and facilitates meaningful change – as well as being #WorkThatDoesNotFeelLikeWork.
Embracing the ‘If You Can’t Hide It, Feature It’ Philosophy
Sometimes, the most authentic moments occur when we let go of perfection. As I hope to show with my make-up less video before a morning swim in the freezing sea!
You might look the part at your desk in your best suit, but science suggests you might not come up with the game-changing five-year strategic plan sat there.
You might think a tough conversation is best had face to face in underground office with no windows, but that is possibly just poor convention. The science I’ve read and tested suggests walking alongside one another outside helps the brain work through those difficult situations. That we are more able to process challenging feedback when there is a more natural soundtrack, a regular rhythm and you aren’t being stared at over a desk.
Sounds ‘woo-woo’ but definitely isn’t.
So don’t be afraid to set yourself time in your diary to work somewhere that also fills your heart with a bit of joy – insist on it.
Create breaks in your day to eat a sandwich on a bench in a park, rather than with your phone at your desk. Or risk missing out on your best idea of the day that saves you hours later on.
With my Executive coaching clients, I am sure knowing some of this simple neuroscience enhances our coaching relationships. I’m convinced we get more audacious plans and stronger ROI from our ‘Time to Think’.
(I steal the phrase Time To Think with pride from Nancy Kline from her fabulous book of the same name that coaches love to recommend.)
Practical Takeaways
- Schedule Downtime – Incorporate short breaks into your day to allow your mind to wander.
- Create Reflective Spaces – Design environments—both physical and conversational—that encourage introspection.
- Embrace Authenticity – Don’t be afraid to slow down or show vulnerability; it can strengthen connections and trust and model the best modes of thinking.
By understanding and leveraging the brain’s natural tendencies (and just knowing a DMN exists!) – we can enhance creativity, problem-solving, and personal growth.
We listen. We understand. We are confident that we can create a bespoke solution
that really adds to your bottom line.
