Autopilot Brain & Proximity Blindness
You open the door, hop into your car, fasten your seatbelt, start the ignition, and start driving. Next thing you know, you're at your destination without really remembering the drive itself. We all know the sensation.
We've done it a thousand times... it's autopilot brain. We've also all experienced situations in which we weren't able to see the forest for the trees. For instance, I have given advice to clients but yet wasn't able to see when it applied to my own business. This is called proximity blindness, which can be thought of as a form of tunnel vision. I like this notion of autopilot brain and proximity blindness together because I believe it creates incredible awareness.
The Science Behind Autopilot Brain
In our research, we have found that brain scans show when your mind wanders, it switches over to autopilot mode. Studies show that autopilot mode seems to be run by brain structures that are known as the default mode network (DMN). This phenomenal ability allows you to complete tasks quickly and accurately without having to put thought into it. For example, we do not think through every step when we make coffee. We just make it.
Human Instinct
In our experience, humans instinctively take the path of least resistance. We are programmed to conserve energy whenever and wherever possible. Entering autopilot mode is a way of conserving energy. What we find amazing about this mechanism is that you are still able to complete tasks with an incredibly high degree of accuracy. We found a study conducted in 2017 that looked at playing cards. The players who entered into autopilot mode actually played much better than those who did not. This is because the autopilot brain allows you to get into a flow.
In the Flow
One thing we consistently run into with both ourselves and entrepreneurs is that it is so difficult to get processes out of our heads and onto paper. Instead, our brain gets into a flow and files these thoughts and processes into potential autopilot mode. We believe that entrepreneurs are brilliant, we move fast, and we think up ideas quickly because that is our flow.
In our experience, this also means that we file ideas into autopilot quickly as well, which means we aren't getting it out onto paper which makes delegating, and therefore growing, difficult.
Getting Ideas Out of Our Brain
When we are aware of autopilot mode or DMN and that proximity blindness is a real thing, then we are also aware that we've already filed helpful information into the DMN section of our brain. There are a couple of strategies that help us pull ideas out of my brain. The first is awareness.
We love knowing that it isn't just us or our business. The second is, we find that coaches/mentors and assistants are invaluable. It is a great way to talk situations out, help ourselves, and help each other.
Freedom in Process
In our experience, we want to be in the flow. There is freedom in process and freedom in structure. We believe in this notion that if you give someone the layout to complete a task without spelling out every single step, they will have the ability to get to the next level around it because there isn't a question at every corner. They will not feel the pressure of constraints and will be able to let the creative juices flow, which results in a much better outcome.
The Point
As entrepreneurs, we embrace autopilot brain and proximity blindness. We work with what we've been given and how the brain is structured and going with the flow. In order to grow, to scale, we have to get out of our own way. To get all the processes and thoughts out of our heads, we need to slow down.
WorkSitter trick? We have assistants sit with us, record the sessions, DO the process live and then ask them to create a document of the steps (standard operating process).
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