How to Be a More Deliberate Thinker
Some of the best thinking happens up in the air, ideally mid-flight, when there’s nowhere else to be. I once read this as a productivity tip, and I can totally vouch for it. While everyone around is lost in in-flight entertainment or scrolling through their phones, grab a black coffee, open a blank page (digital or physical), and just… think.
Wondering what to think about? For me, figuring that out is often the hardest part, so I just start with whatever’s top of mind. It could be something as trivial as weekend plans or what I’ll wear tomorrow. This kind of “low-stakes” thinking works like mental warm-up exercises, getting the wheels turning.
Soon enough, the thinking starts to go deeper. You might find yourself naturally drawn to what’s actually important. Jot down every thought that surfaces and tackle them one by one. Dive into the tricky stuff or anything you’re stuck on. Draw connections, make notes, tag ideas — this is why a physical notebook sometimes works best for me.
There’s something about being up there, physically distant from everyday distractions and with shaky internet, that makes it feel like prime thinking time.
These flight notes end up being my intellectual fuel for days, sometimes even weeks, supporting my personal life, work, family, and everything in between.
Not a frequent flyer? No problem, I don’t fly that often either. I was able to recreate the vibe by finding a good cafe, switching the phone to flight mode or silence notifications, and obviously; get a good coffee. This setting has worked almost as well for me.
Not a frequent flyer? No problem, I don’t fly that often either. I’ve found that I can recreate the vibe by finding a good cafe, switching the phone to flight mode or silencing notifications, and, of course, getting a good coffee. This setting has worked nearly as well for me.
In a world that’s increasingly fast-paced and distracting, making time for deep thinking is essential. Be deliberate about it — the ROI is worth it.
