Ideas don’t just pop into existence.
The brain doesn’t work linearly — only our conscious does. We can’t keep track of more than one thing at once, but our brains are gently mulling things over behind the scenes.
Every time we think or read more about an idea, we throw a few more ingredients into the pot. Maybe it still doesn’t taste right. We add a little stir. We look back at the recipe and maybe add a little more of something.
Even when we spend time thinking or doing other things — or better still, sleeping — those ideas are gently simmering on the back burner.
Sometimes it’s a flash fry.
But often, the best ideas are slow-cooked.