Your Mental Transmissions
Roughly 85% of the cars sold in North America have an automatic transmission.
A manual transmission costs less, accelerates faster, performs better, and offers higher fuel efficiency, versatility and engine power.
So why do we choose an automatic transmission over a manual one? It’s easier to handle. We don’t need to think as much. Plus, we have our right hands free to sip our coffee, play with our iPhones, and change the radio station.
With manual transmission, context becomes more important. Driving up a snow-covered hill requires a different operation than driving down a highway during the summer.
Our minds have a similar option: A mental automatic and manual transmission.
When you’re not fully aware of what you’re doing, your brain switches to autopilot. You apply the same level of energy and thoughtfulness to every task that comes your way. When you are fully conscious of the situation, you stay aware of situational context in order to recalibrate your focus as needed.
It’s okay to ride downhill in neutral when conditions permit, but to be effective in the workplace it’s necessary to consciously shift your mental transmission by staying aware of context.
Many business-related activities require little mental effort like data processing, for example. Even emailing, organizing your desk, or attending certain meetings can fall into this category.
Developing a new proposal, talking to a new prospect, creating a new presentation, crafting an article, in contrast, can require a great deal of energy, thoughtfulness and concentration.
Thinking expends more energy than we realize. Accessing creative intuition can require even more mental alertness.
Be conscious of the kind of work you’re doing and shift into a higher alertness when necessary.
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Great metaphor! Mihaly Csikszentmihali’s concept of “FLOW” where “enjoyment” and “gratification” are contrasted provides a google map with turning directions!