Deliberate Daydreaming

Digital illustration by Harley Bell

Article updated 17/12/23

Deliberate daydreams

Put simply, Deliberate Daydreaming is the art of directing stray thoughts towards a destination.
It is a way to explore ideas with a specific purpose: walk towards the trees, return with firewood.

It can help make new connections between existing ideas: walk deeper, gather berries.

But it can also lead to distraction, indulgent fantasy and even…poetry. I love daydreaming but sometimes my mind runs wild and wanders off the road. The road was leading to one my goals. All I had to do was follow it.

Deliberate Daydreaming is a way to combine imagination, focus and work ethic. The combination of those three is where the magic happens.

Here are some of the lessons I’ve learned so far.

Daydreaming’s main benefit is creativity

Daydreams occur in an area of the brain called the “default network”. This area of the brain has been shown to become more stimulated as external stimuli decrease. What does this mean in a practical sense?

Environments and situations can be designed to help with daydreams. For me, this explains why I have some of best ideas in the shower. When our brains are partially engaged in an easy task, it allows us to focus on complex and interesting topics.

I like to have long showers and think about writing projects. I might be stuck on the next part of a story or the next line of a poem. I let my mind wander, then I bring it back to the project. I drift and wash my hair. Inspiration often occurs among the shampoo.

I have found that it helps to enter with an intention. This is often an idea that needs exploring. But beware of the dangerous ground of unintentional daydreaming. This is disruption and distraction.

It is drifting when you should be focusing. I am guilty of this too.

This could look like circling a personal story until you start mulling over the details. Mulling becomes worrying. Then escaping into another possible interpretation of the story.

The details begin all over again.

Each time you notice this happening, gently remind yourself to come back.

Deliberate daydreaming is the art of bringing your thoughts back on track.

Creative breakthroughs and new approaches to your work

I am always eager to explore new ideas. I believe this is an essential ingredient to nurture a healthy imagination.

I encourage you to stay curious and keep feeding your brain’s ability to connect different ideas together.

Deliberate daydreaming serves as a catalyst for building bridges between seemingly unrelated concepts.

As your mind drifts, it naturally weaves together fragments of information stored in your subconscious. These connections form a tapestry of sorts that could lead to creative breakthroughs and new approaches to your work.

Combine daydreaming with action

Daydreaming is most effective when followed up with action.

Take the ideas and insights from your daydreaming sessions and apply them to your projects and goals.

This helps bridge the gap between imagination and tangible outcomes.

Plan a daydreaming session

I find that I’m far more likely to do something if it is in my calendar.

For this reason, it is important to set aside dedicated time for daydreaming. Treat it as a priority.

Allow yourself a chance to disconnect from distractions and explore your dreams. I like to schedule an extra 10-15mins in the shower. I encourage you try setting aside some time for a few consecutive weeks.

Make sure to add it into your calendar and protect that time.

Write down what happens.

Create a conducive environment

I encourage you to find a quiet and comfortable space for your daydreaming sessions. One that doesn’t have interruptions.

It could be an armchair beside the fire, a park bench beneath a tree. It could be a walking track.

I have been experimenting with taking a cup of tea for a walk around the neighbourhood. The weight of the mug serves a sensory reminder of my purpose. It also gives a good measure of time, when I finish my last sip, I turn towards home.

I will often go into this with an idea I’m turning over in my head. Or something I am trying to solve.

The space can be anywhere, it doesn’t need to be the perfect romance of a cabin in the wood. Be creative with what you have.

Talk soon,
Harley.