By George Waggott, founder and Roberto Fonseca-Velazquez, law student,
George Waggott Law
A recent article published by the Globe and Mail reviewed the book Hyperefficient, by Mithu Storoni. The book challenges the entrenched cultural notion that uninterrupted intense effort is the way to maximize our productivity at work.
Storoni argues that constantly working at maximum intensity is neither sustainable nor effective. Instead, she introduces the idea of operating the mind in three distinct "gears," each with its own purpose. By understanding and deliberately shifting between these gears, individuals can enhance productivity while safeguarding their mental health.
The first gear is characterized by a relaxed state of mind, familiar to anyone waking up in the morning or sitting idly on a park bench. This state is defined by “slow power,” where no single task demands focused attention, allowing the mind to wander freely. According to Storoni, this gear is essential for mental recovery and creativity. It helps people to “wipe the mental slate clean,” enabling individuals to approach tasks with fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. Gear one is ideal for daydreaming, reflecting, and recharging, offering a much-needed counterbalance to more intense mental work.
Gear two is the optimal mode for concentration, problem-solving, and creativity. In this gear, the prefrontal cortex, which is the brain’s command center for complex tasks, is fully engaged. Storoni likens this state to a camera lens that sharpens focus on a specific target while blurring the background. Within gear two, there are two sub-states: low-energy and high-energy. The low-energy state is conducive to spontaneous creativity, allowing the mind to oscillate between wandering and narrowly focusing on emerging insights. The high-energy state, on the other hand, is suited for learning complex concepts, brainstorming, and divergent thinking. Norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that regulates attention and arousal, peaks during this phase, providing energy and a sense of accomplishment.
The third gear represents the mind operating at maximum speed, enabling rapid execution of tasks that are automatic or well-rehearsed. This state is ideal for time-sensitive situations, where swift action is required without the interference of emotions or detailed analysis. While effective for certain tasks, prolonged use of gear three is unsustainable and can lead to mental burnout.
Storoni emphasizes that shifting between these three gears is vital for achieving hyperefficiency. Just as biorhythms are influenced by natural cycles like the rising and setting of the sun, mental gears must align with individual energy levels and work (and other) demands. By punctuating periods of intense mental work with breaks and longer phases of recovery, individuals can enhance the quality of their output and avoid the chronic strain associated with non-stop effort. In today’s world and workplaces, where success is often defined by ingenuity and innovation, the ability to generate high-quality results, rather than sheer quantity, is paramount. Understanding and managing these mental gears is one potential key to flourishing in such an environment.
For more information about George Waggott Law, please see: www.georgewaggott.com, or contact: george@georgewaggott.com
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