Insight: what it is in simple words, how it works

Often we think about an idea for a long time, but we can’t find a method of its realization. There are a lot of options running through our heads, but none of them is suitable, none of them has proper justification. And at the moment when the situation is released, when the brain no longer ponders over the problem for such an excruciatingly long time, the answer comes. The result is literally as if it comes down from above. It’s been compared to an epiphany.

What is this flash in our brain, which appeared completely by chance? Why can it be compared to an epiphany and is monotonous work connected with it? Let’s deal with the concept of insight. How to achieve it and what contributes to rapid insight?

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What is insight?

Insight in English means understanding, insight. There is also the meaning of insight and intuition. The concept literally refers to an irrational action. In the head there is an insight that helps to solve a difficult problem, find an answer to a troubling question.

Using artistic means, insight can be compared to a flash that seems to illuminate the main points and sheds light on the problem. The process defies logical explanations.

Psychologists note that the main feature of insight is its unconscious nature. You can not plan and program your brain to receive an insight at a certain time. This process occurs by chance. It is impossible to determine the exact moment of insight, to build an algorithm and scheme.

A person comes to a revelation and experiences a burst of joy and happiness. In psychology, this moment is compared to an “aha experience”. The term was first described by the German scientist Karl Bühler.

Thus, insight is a term that has been around for more than 100 years. It is actively used now in practice by psychologists, describing the processes of a sudden idea. In the usage of marketers, businessmen and PR specialists, a new term has also taken hold. For the latter, insight is an opportunity to find an original solution that will help increase the company’s rating.

When it comes to a new word that has entered into the usage of marketers and psychologists, there is a little confusion. Insight is often confused with insight. We warn that they have completely different meanings. Insider is information that is not available to the general public and is forbidden for dissemination. It resides inside the company.

Types of insight

There are several types of insight. From the outside it may seem that they are very similar, and in addition, they have the same result – the solution to an important problem. But the mechanism of that very insight is different.

neuropsychologist

“Insight is a sudden understanding or realization of new information that leads to the solution of a problem or the discovery of an idea. Insight plays a key role in cognition and creativity, as it allows us to look at familiar things from a new angle, opening up additional possibilities and solutions. Not everyone and not always can catch that very insight. And the process of insight itself varies”.

1. Rational thinking

This type of insight is based on logical analysis and consistent thinking. It often arises from careful research and data analysis.

2. intuition

Intuitive insight comes unexpectedly and without conscious analysis. It is based on accumulated knowledge and experience that subconsciously add up to a new insight.

3- Insight

This is an instant insight that is often described as a “eureka” moment! It occurs suddenly, without an explicit thought process and is often the result of a long incubation of a problem in the subconscious mind.

When is it easier to catch an insight?

It is impossible to program insight. It comes unexpectedly and sometimes at quite strange moments in life. But there are factors that can help speed up this process.

1. Motivation. A high level of motivation and interest in the task at hand significantly increases the likelihood of insight.

2. Knowledge and experience. Accumulated knowledge and experience create the basis for new realizations and solutions. The more information and skills you have, the greater the chance of insight.

3. Intelligence. The ability to analyze and synthesize information and the ability to see connections between different elements contribute to insight.

4- Emotional state. Positive emotional state and relaxation contribute to the emergence of insight. But stress and tension can block the process.

The process of insight

Let’s look at the scheme of the process. It consists of three main points that reveal the peculiarities of the brain.

1. Preparation and incubation

At this stage, a person actively deals with the problem, collects information and analyzes data. Then comes the incubation period, when the conscious attention shifts to other tasks, allowing the subconscious mind to process the information.

2- Epiphany

A sudden moment when a decision or idea becomes clear. This can happen at any time when the mind is relaxed and not focused on the problem.

3. Verification and rationalization

After the insight, it is necessary to verify the correctness and applicability of the insight gained. This involves critically analyzing and integrating the new idea into the existing knowledge system.

Application of the insight

Having sorted out the process of getting long-awaited ideas, let’s find the areas where insight can be utilized.

1. Problem solving. Insight helps to find non-standard and effective solutions to complex problems that do not lend themselves to traditional methods.

2- Creativity. In art and literature, insight plays an important role in the creation of original works, opening up new ways to express oneself.

3. personal growth. Recognizing and understanding one’s own emotions, motivations, and goals through insight contributes to personal development and self-discovery.

How to catch insight?

Despite its unconscious nature, the brain can be nudged to gain insight by.

1. Shifting attention

Typically, an insight occurs during a monotonous, non-mentally demanding task. It can be cleaning the house, going for a walk, sorting things. Temporary distraction from the problem and doing other things allows the subconscious mind to work on the task and contributes to unexpected insights.

2- Using brainstorming techniques

Active idea generation and discussion with colleagues helps to find new approaches to the problem and increase the likelihood of insight.

3. meditation and relaxation practices

These practices help relax the mind and create a favorable environment for insight to occur.

Insight research

Sociologists, anthropologists, and psychologists have become interested in this new concept. Scientists are trying to find out whether it is possible to force the brain to receive insight. So far, there is no breakthrough data on this subject. But researchers do not stop at this question. They are conducting experimental studies. In laboratory conditions they study the processes leading to insight, using tasks and puzzles that require creativity to solve.

Neuroimaging is also practiced in the process. Modern techniques such as fMRI and EEG allow the study of brain activity during the onset of insight, identifying specific areas and mechanisms involved in this process.

Despite not yet being a fully understood brain process, insight is considered a powerful tool for problem solving. Understanding the mechanism of its occurrence and the factors contributing to insight allows for the creation of conditions for new ideas and realizations to emerge.

Incorporating insight into everyday practice helps to achieve better results in various spheres of life – from professional activity to personal development. Even though it is impossible to predict the moment of insight, we can help the brain to digest information and quickly find answers to the questions that concern us.