Attention Quote by Alan Bradley
“I had long ago discovered that when a word or formula refused to come to mind the best thing for it was to think of something else: tigers for instance or oatmeal. Then when the fugitive word was least expecting it I would suddenly turn the full blaze of my attention back onto it catching the culprit in the beam of my mental torch before it could sneak off again into the darkness.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Darkest Minds, 2012
When stuck on a word, the mind can be reset by focusing on unrelated vivid images, then returning to the problem with fresh attention.
In simple terms: Use random mental images to break mental blocks.
Key Takeaway
Shift focus, then return to solve.
Themes
creativity
problem solving
mental flexibility
focus
Mood
playful
inquisitive
Type
practical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing
- studying
- brainstorming
- everyday challenges
Key Concepts
cognitive psychology
associative thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- What random image could you use to unblock a thought?
- How does changing focus affect your concentration?
A Different Perspective
The technique may not work for all types of problems.
![“I imagined I had discovered a new word. I rise up in bed and say, "It is not in the language; I have discovered it. 'Kuboa.' It has letters as a word has. By the benign God, Man you have discovered a word!... 'Kuboa' ... a word of profound import. [...] Some minutes pass over, and I wax nervous…” quote by Knut Hamsun](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bd0/knut-hamsun-1203_language_i-imagined-i-had-discovered-a-new-word-i_170312.jpg)
![“I went to a mosque in Philadelphia with [my wife] in December 24, 1999. And we we went to this mosque in Philly, and I just had such a strong reaction to the prayer. And I was really emotionally - I felt really grounded at that time. And so to be in this prayer and the imam is doing the prayer in…” quote by Mahershala Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d31/mahershala-ali-6687_attention_i-went-to-a-mosque-in-philadelphia-with_3083.jpg)
