“Scientists may have sophisticated laboratories,
But never forget ‘eureka’ was inspired in a bathtub.”Toba Beta

November rang in the third edition of our Monthly Mantra series, wherein the company focuses on a particular concept and applies it to the everyday grind. In addition to our internal learning, we aim to share our findings with the community, with a side of wallpaper goodness.

This month, PRPL’s mantra is “Break for a Breakthrough,” a simple order to do something else, or something new, to arrive upon that eureka moment. One creative’s mid-workday bike ride to enjoy the fall weather inspired a month of company-sanctioned recesses. And boy, did it catch on.

Think of the last place you had a great idea. Go on . . . go back.

Chances are, it wasn’t at a desk, or even in the workplace at all. It was on a run, at the wheel, or behind the ol’ 6-string. When you aren’t thinking about it, you’ll often think of it. Give it a try this holiday break, and see just what we mean.

Here’s a few resources that support this view on breakthroughs:

Articles

Why We’re More Creative When We’re Tired, and 9 Other Surprising Things About How Brains Work by Beth Bell Cooper
To Stay on Schedule, Take a Break by Phyllis Korkki
Why We Have Our Best Ideas in the Shower by Leo Widrich

Books

How to Succeed in Business Without Working So Damn Hard by Robert J. Kriegel

Other Presentations & Resources

Where Good Ideas Come From by Steve Johnson
How to Find Your Creative Sweet Spot by Thorin Klosowski

So take you break and your brain will return the favor.

Monthly Mantra: Break for a Breakthrough

Weekly Digital Roundup (11.25.13)