At school or in the office, mind wandering is often frowned upon. Students are told to “snap out of it,” and employees are nudged back to focus on the task at hand. Yet new research suggests that with the right support, what looks like distraction might in fact be a powerful tool for solving tough problems.
A joint team of researchers from the U.S. and the Netherlands has found that curious individuals who allow themselves to daydream around work challenges are more likely to experience strong epiphanies. These flashes of insight can not only spark innovative solutions but also renew a sense of meaning in their careers.
“For years, I was fascinated by the phenomenon of epiphanies, but I wasn’t sure how to study them, and I found the challenges that go with pursuing a new and uncharted line of research a bit daunting,” said Erik Dane, professor of organizational ...
