Steve Jobs – What 10-minute rule did Steve Jobs follow and whose effectiveness has been proven by science?
Today, October 5, 2024, marks the thirteenth anniversary of the death of Steve Jobs, co-founder of the company. Apple and a technology visionary who changed the industry with products like the iPhone and MacBook. But beyond his innovations, Jobs also left a legacy in his way of thinking and the way he solved problems. Among their habits, a simple but effective rule stands out: “10 minute rule”.
This method was as follows: if, after spending 10 minutes on a problem, a solution was not found, Jobs got up from his desk and walked for at least another 10 minutes. This practice, as he himself claimed, was not at all eccentric, it made him more reasonablehas been supported by various scientific studies confirming the effectiveness of this rule.
Neuroscientist Mithu Storonifrom Cambridge University, explains in his book Super Efficiency: Optimize your brain to change the way you work how walking, even for short periods of time, improves brain function. Physical movement helps clear the mind, reduce stress and anxiety, facilitate problem solving and promote creativity.
The Link Between Walking and Creative Thinking
It is no coincidence that great thinkers love Henry David Thoreau And Friedrich Nietzsche recognized the importance of walking for the creative process. Thoreau stated, “I believe that the moment my feet begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow.” Likewise, Nietzsche argued that “all truly good ideas are born while walking.”
Like them, Jobs incorporated this practice into his daily routine, demonstrating that sometimes the solution is not in force the mindbut give him a break, a change of scenery and give free rein to his ideas. When walking, our attention cannot focus solely on the problem because the environment also demands our attention, forcing the brain to work differently and find new solutions.
“10 minute rule” Steve Jobs is a practice we can apply in our daily lives. It’s not just about taking a walk, but about understanding the power of a strategic pause, a temporary disconnect that allows you to return refreshed and with a different perspective. The next time you encounter an obstacle, remember this rule: get up, walk through, and let your mind find a solution.