Do you ever get an idea after reading a billboard, a tweet, or watching a YouTube video?
But the idea has nothing to do with all the above.
Maybe it’s about improving your writing or your badminton game.
A spark that lit the bulb in your brain.
That is what I am talking about.
Your mind connects the dots from the information it receives daily. It gives you ideas through these connections and uses the information to take decisions.
Neural Plasticity
Neural Plasticity is the ability of the brain to reorganize itself, forming new neural connections throughout life. This ability allows the brain to adjust to new situations, learn from experiences, and solve problems.
How does your brain store new information?
When your brain gets new information, it does not store it in a single location. The visual cortex processes visual information, the auditory cortex processes sounds, and so on.
How does the brain create new memories?
The hippocampus is a part of the brain responsible for memory and learning. It is also responsible for connecting the dots between different pieces of information. When you’re trying to learn something new, the hippocampus helps you store the information and connect it to other information you already know.
How does the brain use all this information?
The prefrontal cortex is responsible for thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving. It pulls together these disparate pieces of information, analyses them, and makes decisions based on experiences, current input, and projected outcomes.
And your brain is doing this all the time on autopilot.
But what the hell it has to do with my writing?
I will explain with my example.
A few days ago, I saw a movie, Julie and Julia, on Netflix.
And I wrote an article. But not about the movie. About self-improvement and building consistency.
At that time I was struggling to build consistency with my writing routine.
After I finished the movie, my brain automatically connected the dots and produced an article on self-improvement.
Curious Case Of Arthur Conan Doyle
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, was deeply interested in spiritualism and the Paranormal in his life. Leading him to read on spiritualism, psychic phenomena, and the afterlife.
Doyle was also a physician by training, and his medical background played a crucial role in shaping his approach to writing detective fiction.
When you read Sherlock Holmes, you can find the influence of paranormal and medical science. In some stories, Detective Holmes breaks the myth behind paranormal activities with scientific and medical evidence with the help of his ally, Dr. Watson.
Most of Doyle’s work is a perfect blend of Paranormal + Medical/chemical + Detective Fiction.
Mark Manson, in an interview with David Perrell, said
“Read outside of your lane, and your mind will draw analogies for your subject of work.” Mark Manson.
When you read common books on the topic that everyone else is reading, your thinking becomes narrow. It reflects in your writing. Sharing the same examples and stories that everyone else is sharing.
When you read outside of your subject of work. You give your mind a different angle to think. You get,
- More ideas to support your theory.
- More interesting stories to tell.
- Different facts to support your content.
- Content that stands out from the crowd.
- A different tone on the subject (If you are writing)
Mrs. Koko vs Mrs. Boko
To clarify this, we have 2 writers in the lab, Koko and Boko. Both writers blog about building good habits.
Mrs. Koko’s reading list includes:
- Build better habits
- Build better habits
- Build better habits
- And every latest book about building better habits.
Mrs Boko’s reading list includes:
- Build better habits.
- Nonfiction about some Mesopotamian Civilisation.
- A humorous novel with a funny detective.
- Psychology-related article.
The output of Mrs. Koko’s work will be another blog post with a monotonous tone on building better habits. You have read this post multiple times with different headlines.
While Mrs Boko will provide an informative article that delves into the psychology behind habits, she will also add a touch of humour. Adding the facts from Mesopotamian civilisation.
Which article is more interesting? Which one you would like to read?
Diverse reading not only makes you a better writer, but a better thinker and an interesting speaker.
Finally
Read books on diverse topics and you will have a new angle to write on your topic.
But, you need to be consistent with reading. In fact, I am hosting a FREE 👉🏼10 Day Show Up Challenge that helps you to become consistent.
Take the challenge and check how far you can go? Sign up FREE at 👉🏼 10 Day Show Up Challenge
Thank you for reading.