Increasing Brain Power
Increasing Brain Power
“If the mind really is the finest computer, then there are a lot
of people out there who need to be rebooted.”
– Bryce’s Law
INTRODUCTION
In the world of writing there is something called “Writer’s Block” where the author
procrastinates on his work and is easily distracted. Hopefully, he overcomes
the problem and tackles his assignment. To do so, he needs to eliminate
distractions and engage his brain to the subject at hand. The same is true
in any endeavor, be it a carpenter, an engineer, or a programmer. The more we
can engage the brain, the more we can produce. The challenge therefore becomes
how to maximize the use of our brain. By brain power I am not referring to a
measurement of IQ, but rather to simply engage what God has given us.
LEVELS
I may not be a psychologist, but it has been my observation as a management
consultant that there is essentially three levels by which our brains operate:
LEVEL 1 – PRIMAL
This represents our basic instincts and reflex actions as we blunder through
life (I call this the “auto-pilot” mode). For example, we devise a morning
regimen where we awaken and prepare for work. At this level, we are not
at our most alert. Instead, we want to simply catch up on the news, brush
our teeth, dress, and travel to work. Similarly, at the end of the day, we
decelerate our activity as we prepare for sleep. In other words, we develop
predictable routines to go through day after day without much thought. The
brain is engaged, but far from our maximum output. In fact, we take in more
than we put out. This is where we want to be entertained or informed.
LEVEL 2 – MODERATE
This level represents an equal level of input and output. The brain is either
accelerating (at the beginning of the work day) or decelerating (at the end
of the work day). At this level we have no trouble taking instructions and
produce an average amount of work, quite often mundane or routine assignments
simply to pass the time of day. We are also easily distracted. In the normal
business day, Level 2 typically occurs between 9:00am – 10:00am (as the work
day begins), 12:00pm – 1:00pm (following lunch), and 4:00pm to 5:00pm (as
we prepare to conclude the work day).
LEVEL 3 – ACCELERATED
This level represents high achievement where we are able to concentrate
and put forth our best work effort. Here, the brain is fully engaged and our
output surpasses our input as we concentrate on the job at hand. In the
normal business day, Level 3 typically occurs between 10:00am – 12:00pm,
and 1:00pm – 4:00pm.
AVERAGE WORK DAY
Let us now consider how we use time during the average work day and
consider how much is used at the various levels. First, we will divide the
day into three equal increments of eight hours: Sleep, Work, and Personal Time.
REST – 8 HOURS
During this time, the brain is not truly engaged other than to maintain
bodily functions.
WORK – 8 HOURS
Based on studies we have performed on time management, we have
found most people in corporate offices to be approximately 70% effective,
meaning in an eight hour work day, they are spending about six hours on
direct work assignments, and two hours on indirect activities (time that
doesn’t contribute directly to their assignments; e.g., breaks, meetings,
taking instruction or direction, etc.)
PERSONAL TIME – 8 HOURS
This represents time where we perform pet projects and hobbies,
pay the bills, run errands, attend a function (such as a meeting),
relaxation, awake, prepare for sleep, etc. During this time we
typically spend two hours of concentrated work, and six hours of
indirect activities.
SHIFTING GEARS
This means in a typical work day, we only spend eight hours to really exercise
the brain (Levels 2 and 3). But from a manager’s perspective, we are primarily
concerned with the six hours devoted to work. During this time, people will
spend approximately three hours operating at Level 2 and three hours at
Level 3. This ratio between Levels 2 and 3 will fluctuate based on how well
the worker is able to engage the brain. Some people are able to engage their
brains at Level 3 for several hours, some for only an hour, and some not at all.
At this time we have to recognize that thinking is hard work. Although Level 3
is where we want employees to perform at, we must recognize that nobody can
keep it in high gear for an extended period of time. The brain grows weary and
moderates itself, shifting from Level 3 down to Level 2 or Level