Mental Modes
How you can take advantage of context switching to be more productive.
I’m building my online writing presence while working my 9-5. Actually, it’s my 5-5, but that’s a different discussion. This year has been a year of intention for me so I’ve been working hard to stay focused and present in whatever I’m doing.
This intention has opened my eyes to an interesting phenomenon.
Our minds shift into different modes of thinking based on our environment. I call them Mental Modes. For example, I think very differently at work than I do at home.
As I pull into work, thoughts of home, creativity, writing simply fade away. Every thing I see as I enter the parking lot triggers a thought connected to work. My mind shifts into problem-solving mode.
Once I sit down at my desk, the inputs start coming fast and furious. Emails, phone calls, texts and employees stopping by. Thoughts of home, writing and creativity are distant. It’s like a whole different world.
Different tasks, different tools
One area I’ve started experimenting with is using different apps for different purposes. I’ve been writing in Bear. Full screen mode, toothpaste theme. (Bear has multiple themes that can set a tone. Much more than just light or dark mode).
I’ve been using Things for task mode. I’ve realized that when I’m working through tasks, my mind is more transactional. It’s closer to work mode where I problem solve and make deliberate progress. Very different from a creative flow state.
I’ve started using Notion for planning and tracking. Here too, my mental mode shifts. When planning goals or reflecting on a weekly or quarterly review I find that contemplative thinking is a quite different mindset.
Being in the right tool for the right task has made a difference.
Do you think differently in different environments? What mental modes do you find yourself switching in and out of?