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Daydream? Daydreaming isn’t as useless as it seems.

Jun 9, 2020 | Creativity

Daydream? Daydreaming isn't as useless as it seems.

Daydreams maintain our mental balance.
daydreaming

Daydreaming

 

Daydreaming is the wandering of attention to imaginary ideas, longings, fantasies, and visions. It does not have a good reputation everywhere, but it is rewarding. This is how you learn to daydream.

Overview

Daydreaming

 

Daydreaming is the wandering of attention and concentration from current, real tasks to imaginary ideas, longings, fantasies, and visions. They are fantasies and imaginations comparable to dreams, which are experienced in the awake state of consciousness.

Children experience this much more often than adults. At a young age, people more regularly enter the world of daydreams with their blossoming imagination and create their dream world for fun.

With adults, it happens most frequently shortly before falling asleep or when concentration weakens due to boring activities. Thoughts are wandering around, the brain is, so to speak, busy with itself. Daydreamers step back a little behind their usual perception limits, visualize, or conduct inner dialogues. They are usually able to continue to perform simple activities. However, external attention is significantly reduced.

Is a daydream good for anything?

 

So often we hear the call to stop daydreaming. And now I come along and recommend it? Yes, because during daydreaming, helpful processes happen. I’m not talking about a destructive escape from reality.

The brain is in a kind of idle state and begins to engage with itself. It tends to pick up everyday topics and problems and works independently on solutions. This can lead to very interesting solutions to even very complex difficulties that we would not have thought of with full consciousness. So daydreaming, assuming the right place, is a good idea and not a waste of time. Daydreaming maintains our mental balance.

 

 

 

Daydreams are tools for visionaries

 

Daydreams are not for weirdos, daydreams are tools for visionaries.

 

 

 

Bonus

 

Daydreams also promote relaxation and regulation of mental imbalance. They offer alternatives to boredom and strengthen motivation when wishes are attractively visualized. The brain relaxes and regenerates during daydreaming.

 

 

 

Brain waves

 

Daydreaming is associated with a change in brain frequencies. The neural nervous system becomes more active, which is also active during a dream. Other areas of the brain are more active than during conscious thinking, while other areas of the brain recover during a daydream.

 

 

 

Cooperation

 

Our brain has two main systems: an analytical part, which helps us to make rational decisions, and an empathetic part, which enables us to relate to others. When we daydream, the human mind naturally goes through various thought processes, and during this time the analytical and empathetic parts of the brain tend to switch off each other.

Can daydreaming be learned?

 

Yes, learning to daydream is possible, because daydreaming can be consciously stimulated. Everyone can use daydreaming to feel more balanced, to strengthen motivation, and to promote creativity. Without training, daydreams decrease as we get older.

 

 

 

Step by step

 

The techniques are similar to those for lucid dreaming.

It is best to choose a quiet and relaxing place. It is important to find the most comfortable position possible. The aim is to promote a trance state. It works best if it is initially always the same place that is used for this. This helps to immerse yourself in daydreaming even faster each time. With practice, daydreaming will soon be possible at any suitable place.

Disturbing arbitrary thoughts become unimportant, move on and the dream world opens its gates. More and more aspects of the daydream unfold in the imagination, while other thoughts fade into the background. Each trainer has developed recommendations and methods here, which are adapted to the personality of the individual.

One possibility: When you have emptied your thoughts to a large extent, imagine that you are spinning in your body. Do this in all directions and until the surrounding space becomes blurred. With time, this will happen faster and faster. Now you are ready for your daydream.

Let your thoughts be free. Have a good trip!

Depending on the objectives, the journey can also be adapted for special purposes.

For the return, it is worth developing your ritual. The best way to do this is with a competent mental trainer. This way, you will benefit from your mental journeys as much as possible in your everyday life.

Just ask me personally

 

Please post any questions that may interest other readers in the comments. Are you looking for professional support?

If you are interested in coaching, training, or consulting, for organizational questions and to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (It is up to you whether you enter personal data) or by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). Otherwise, you may reach me by telephone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 and mobile phone at +49(0)1577 704 53 56 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 18:00. Most of the time I am in sessions, so please leave a message with your phone number in Germany, then. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will call you back as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.

Transparency is important. Therefore, you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees, and getting to know me. If this suits you, I look forward to working with you.

 

 

 

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What do you think about daydreaming?

Articles

Daydream? Daydreaming isn’t as useless as it seems.

Learn how to daydream.

Read More
22 ways to ask better questions

22 ways to ask better questions

Apr 26, 2019

Ask better questions, and as a result, you get better answers. Questions are the best way to gain more perspectives and develop more innovative solutions. Here are some recommendations for better questions because they lead to insights, creativity, and excellent leadership.

read more
Read more

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: June 7, 2019
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: February 21st, 2022
Translation: ./.
German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/tagtraum/
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T: RR
#124

Aphantasia: Living without mental images.

May 27, 2020 | Creativity, Mental training, Personality

Aphantasia: Living without mental images.

The lack of visual imagination
Fears and anxiety

Aphantasia

 

Most people consider it normal to be able to visualize. But a small percentage of humanity does not have this ability. We call this Aphantasia. This is what this article is about.

Anyone can visualize, right?

 

It’s hard to imagine that not everyone can visualize. But for some people it is not possible: counting sheep in front of the mind’s eye, imagining the plot of a novel or the face of a friend. The lack of visual imagination is called Aphantasia.

Aphantasia is innate for a small part of the population. It was described in 1880 by Sir Francis Falton. The neurologist Adam Zeman of the University Exeter Media School has scientifically confirmed this assumption and published details in a study.

 

 

 

Consequences of the Aphantasia

 

For those affected, this has a significant impact on their lives, as they are not able to visualize situations from their memory. For them, jobs in architecture or design are difficult. All tasks that require imagining the result in advance require hallucinating with open eyes, so to speak. Many creative fields require visual imagination. However, there are possibilities here as well. I know people with Aphantasia who are very creative in visual design.

It is possible to live without inner images, but how far-reaching the absence is, is shown by the fact that many affected people get interpersonal problems because of their deficit. Affected people themselves only notice in contact with other people that they are blind on the inner eye. There are certain similarities with people who suffer from red-green color blindness.

 

 

 

Rays of hope

 

In dreams and hypnotic trance, it is easier for many people to visualize. In dreams and with a little practice thanks to hypnotic trance even people with Aphantasia can do it, even if they think they can’t do it in everyday life. In sessions using trance I regularly get feedback from clients that they experienced images on the inner canvas.

 

 

 

Causes of Aphantasia

 

The causes of the Aphantasia are not yet clear. Probably the areas in the brain responsible for visual imagination are not working together.

 

 

 

Advantages of the ability to visualize

 

When planning, solving problems, learning, and exams, … In so many situations, a visual image is very useful. In many articles, I enthusiastically praise the possibilities of using visual imagination.

For those who find it commonplace to imagine things, people, and situations visually, it is hard to understand the value of this ability.

 

 

 

What to do?

 

As helpful as it is to imagine things, people and situations visually, we humans have other senses for the design of thoughts.

We humans have five senses available. And so people are also blessed with different accesses to these senses. We can explore the world visually, kinesthetically, auditory, gustatory, and olfactory. This way we can resurrect the world in our minds. We use the five senses seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting, and smelling differently. So it is worthwhile on the one hand to promote potential and on the other hand to focus on the strengths. And we do this automatically. The choice of career shows this. If we are successful in one area, then the necessary senses are obviously at work.

Just ask me personally

 

Please post any questions that may interest other readers in the comments. Are you looking for professional support?

If you are interested in coaching, training, or consulting, for organizational questions and to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (It is up to you whether you enter personal data) or by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). Otherwise, you may reach me by telephone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 and mobile phone at +49(0)1577 704 53 56 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 18:00. Most of the time I am in sessions, so please leave a message with your phone number in Germany, then. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will call you back as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.

Transparency is important. Therefore, you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees, and getting to know me. If this suits you, I look forward to working with you.

 

 

 

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P.S.

 

What are your thoughts on the subject? How about your visual imagination?

Great Ideas Need Wings As Well As Landing Gear And...

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: May 20, 2020
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: May 27, 2020
Translation: ./.
German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/aphantasie/
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#452

22 ways to ask better questions

Apr 26, 2019 | Communication Skills, Creativity

22 ways to ask better questions

How about the quality of your questions?
How About the Quality of Your Questions?

Quality questions

 

Ask better questions, and as a result, you get better answers. Questions are the best way to gain more perspectives and develop more innovative solutions. Here are some recommendations for better questions because they lead to insights, creativity and excellent leadership.

Overview

Ask better questions, and as a result, you get better answers.

Karsten Noack

Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers.

Voltaire

22 ways asking better questions

 

A prudent question is one-half of wisdom.

Francis Bacon

 

 

 

1. Think before asking a question

 

It seems to be the most convenient way to delegate thinking to other people. At least it seems that some people have never heard of thinking, books, telephones, Wikipedia (external link), and the Internet.

 

 

 

2. Honest non-suggestive questions

 

Suggestive questions are intended as question techniques for active conversation. Interlocutors should be directed more or less elegantly in a certain direction. The underlying intentions are more or less well-meant. There is rarely a good answer to a suggestive question.

 

 

 

3. Good questions don’t stress the relationship

 

The form of a question has the potential to improve or worsen the relationship with other people. Unfortunately, the damage is often done unnecessarily. Those who exaggerate manipulative intentions often burden the effect of questions through their attitude. If the interviewer feels the attempt of an inappropriate manipulation, the relationship to the manipulator is burdened.

 

 

 

4. Listening

 

The basis of good questions is good listening. Unfortunately, this ability is too often underestimated.

 

 

 

5. Know your intention

 

Any question you ask should support your intentions. Questions can help you collect facts or explore the opinion of your conversational partner. Know what kind of information you need and formulate your questions accordingly.

 

 

 

6. One question at a time

 

If you ask too many questions in a short time, you rarely get good answers to all questions. This puts a strain on the recipients and puts them in a bad state. To summarize a series of questions in one sentence does not make this any better. It is better to ask one clear question after the other.

 

 

 

7. Plan in advance

 

Plan your questions before your interview. Outline your goals and choose a series of questions that will help you conduct the conversation.

 

 

 

8. Beware of questions about why

 

Some questions lead deeper into the problem and make it more difficult to find a solution if they are used excessively. Why questions are questions that easily lead to a dead end. Moreover, such questions are easily perceived as an interrogation situation. This leads to the interlocutors concentrating on justifying themselves.

 

 

 

9. Know the value of open-ended questions

 

Good questions promote good dialogue. In contrast to yes or no questions, open questions invite the respondent to speak in more detail. This way you can collect many more details. Open-ended questions encourage the person being asked to expand ideas and explore what is important to them or what they would like to reveal. Open questions show respect for the views of others because they do not lure people to a particular type of answer.

 

 

 

10. Speak like your conversational partner

 

Use words and phrases that your listener understands and is familiar with. Rephrase if someone does not seem to understand what you are asking.

 

 

 

11. Don’t ask for favors, ask for advice

 

Most people feel comfortable when their opinions and abilities are valued. People feel comfortable when they help others. Help your conversation partner to feel good, ask for support.

 

 

 

12. Good questions encourage people to be part of the solution

 

Too often, questions sound like accusations and focus on the reasons why the person was not successful. This form of investigation puts the person in defensive mode and can change their answers.

 

 

 

13. Use the power of silence

 

After asking a question, wait for the answer, listen to the answer, and then wait. Be patient: Often the person you are asking has more information and will bring it out while you are waiting. You must be comfortable with the duration of this time of silence. People feel the need to fill the pauses in conversation, and often they will get out the critical piece of information you are looking for.

 

 

 

14. Be specific

 

Be specific because most people read bad thoughts. Say what you want.

 

 

 

15. Don’t interrupt

 

Don’t interrupt the person you’re talking with. When you interrupt someone, it tells them that you don’t appreciate them and what they say. Listen to the full answer to your question. The art of good questioning is to be interested and want the information contained in the answer.

 

 

 

16. Be interested in other people

 

People feel when you’re interested in them. Who wants to support selfish people? Don’t fake it, be interested!

 

 

 

17. Respect the time and expertise of others

 

Show that you appreciate the support you’re getting. If you do not appreciate other people’s time and effort, it is not very respectful and stresses the relationship.

 

 

 

18. Solution-oriented questions

 

With solution-oriented questions, the focus can be directed to possible solutions and the available resources. So-called systemic questions have proven to be particularly effective. Especially in deadlocked situations, they can work wonders.

 

 

 

19. Find ways to be helpful

 

Support other people. If you are interested in other people, you can find ways to help them. So other people are more likely to open up and share their thoughts.

 

 

 

20. Questioning techniques

 

Numerous question techniques have proven themselves in practice.

 

 

 

21. Do you want the answer?

 

Questions are asked again and again to which, in the end, basically no answer is desired. An answer is, first, an answer. I may like the answer or not. What I do with it is another matter. However, if there is no willingness from the beginning to deal with the answer appropriately, then the question is harmful.

 

 

 

22. Practice your communication skills

 

Practice, practice, practice. Your skills will improve over time. Remember that if you want good answers, they come from asking good questions.

Preparation of important conversations and negotiations

 

Communication can be very easy. But often it is not. Sometimes we say things and then later notice from the reaction of our conversation partners that they seem to have spoken to someone completely different. I didn't say that with the best will in the world. - Or did I say that after all?

More or less consciously, conversations are about convincing other people of something - be it a special offer, your personality, a perspective, or a necessity. If this doesn't happen fast enough and above all not exactly to the point and descriptively, the person we are talking to quickly loses interest, and we lose the hoped-for opportunity. — Conversation failed.

You can let me support you in the preparation of your conversations and negotiations (to be on the safe side: no legal advice!). Find out how you and your message are perceived (arguments, body language, language, voice, and much more). I will familiarize you with effective tools and communication strategies. Develop your psychological skills, learn to stay calm, act confidently, remain authentic, and finally convince.

Preparing for important conversations and negotiations

Just ask me personally

 

Please post any questions that may interest other readers in the comments. Are you looking for professional support?

If you are interested in coaching, training, or consulting, for organizational questions and to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (It is up to you whether you enter personal data) or by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). Otherwise, you may reach me by telephone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 and mobile phone at +49(0)1577 704 53 56 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 18:00. Most of the time I am in sessions, so please leave a message with your phone number in Germany, then. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will call you back as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.

Transparency is important. Therefore, you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees, and getting to know me. If this suits you, I look forward to working with you.

 

 

 

Message

 

I have read and accept the privacy policy.

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Remarks:

In the address bar of your browser, the URL should begin with "https://www.karstennoack.com/...". This indicates a secure connection (SSL). Whether you enter your real name is up to you.

P.S.

 

How do you choose best questions?

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blank

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: June 21, 2008
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: August 11, 2019
Translation: August 11, 2019
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#767

Are you a hero or a mere dreamer? Start doing and stop dreaming.

Apr 20, 2019 | Creativity, Decision Making, Personality, Vision

Are You A Hero Or A Mere Dreamer?

Dreaming isn't enough without action
Are You A Hero Or A Mere Dreamer?

Hero or dreamer?

 

Having a dream and being a dreamer are two different mindsets. It is time to realize your plans. Dreaming is a good starting point for a challenging journey. But it isn’t enough without action. Be a hero, because we need a lot of them!

Overview

You are stronger than you may know.

Karsten Noack

Walk your talk

 

Dreaming is a good starting point for a challenging journey.  Wishful thinking and voluntary daydreaming can occasionally make dreams come true. Unrealistic projects, improbable ventures, and unfeasible missions can sometimes be achieved through conscious dreaming. At times, dreams can be an inspiration and generate creative reflections. But dreaming isn’t enough when no action follows. Wishful thinking is hoping for something and waiting for someone else to make it happen.

 

 

 

Start doing and stop dreaming

 

There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other.

Douglas Everett

 

 

Having a dream and being a dreamer are two different mindsets. Dreamers are drifters, just floating through life with no real plans. One who has a dream is a door on the path towards achieving their goal.

Failure is not the opposite of success, inaction is. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. Today! Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.

 

 

 

 

A dreamer may become a hero

 

Choice of action over wishful thinking. Action separates the heroes from the cowards, the achievers from the complainers, the successful from the mere dreamers, the happy from the envious. Actions separate those who rise to the challenge of their goals from the passive ones. So many are stuck in wishful thinking and hide behind excuses instead of speaking up and doing something to make the world a better place. Everyone needs something to aim for. It doesn’t matter if you call it chaos he or a goal. It makes us human, it helps us to realize our true self. We grow with our tasks and challenges.

 

 

 

How about you?

 

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.

Henry David Thoreau

 

Are you a mere dreamer, a wishful thinker, or a hero? It is your decision! Make a positive difference. And just as a reminder: Your values are your WHY, your actions are you HOW and your goal is your WHAT. Be a hero, because we need a lot of them!

 
Travel Companion

Just ask me personally

 

Please post any questions that may interest other readers in the comments. Are you looking for professional support?

If you are interested in coaching, training, or consulting, for organizational questions and to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (It is up to you whether you enter personal data) or by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). Otherwise, you may reach me by telephone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 and mobile phone at +49(0)1577 704 53 56 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 18:00. Most of the time I am in sessions, so please leave a message with your phone number in Germany, then. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will call you back as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.

Transparency is important. Therefore, you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees, and getting to know me. If this suits you, I look forward to working with you.

 

 

 

Message

 

I have read and accept the privacy policy.

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Remarks:

In the address bar of your browser, the URL should begin with "https://www.karstennoack.com/...". This indicates a secure connection (SSL). Whether you enter your real name is up to you.

Related articles

 

P.S.

 

What do you think about that article?

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Are You A Hero Or A Mere Dreamer?

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: March 17, 2006
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: February 21st, 2022
Translation: ./.
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#183

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