S2E3 Step and Pivot: Overcoming obstacles with cognitive flexibility

Summary

In this episode of the Second Plan A podcast, Amber and Ryan Hoover explore the differences between cutting angles and cutting corners, emphasizing the importance of cognitive flexibility and adaptability in problem-solving. They discuss the myth of multitasking, sharing personal anecdotes from their experiences at Shot Show, and highlight the significance of planning for unexpected challenges.

The conversation delves into the concept of incidental defense in life and business, the impact of acquired inattention in modern society, and the costs associated with multitasking. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to face their problems head-on and develop strategies for effective problem-solving.

Takeaways

  • Multitasking is a myth; it leads to poor performance.

  • Cognitive flexibility is essential for adapting to new situations.

  • Real-life problem-solving requires critical thinking and adaptability.

  • Incidental defense can help mitigate risks in various scenarios.

  • Expecting the unexpected is unrealistic; planning is key.

  • Acquired inattention affects our ability to focus in modern life.

  • The cost of multitasking can hinder productivity and efficiency.

  • Problem-solving requires a balance between action and thought.

  • Facing problems directly is crucial for personal growth.

Resources

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Book Recommendation

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly

Links for More Information

The “Switch Cost” of Multi-tasking: https://news.wfu.edu/2024/04/16/the-switch-cost-of-multitasking/

https://www.mindtools.com/blog/solve-these-puzzles/

Metacognitive Strategies: https://teaching.cornell.edu/teaching-resources/active-collaborative-learning/metacognitive-strategies

Predicting Athletic Performance: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022103104000071

Choking Under Pressure: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6707866/

Memory and Cognitive Control in Task Switching: https://www.jstor.org/stable/23355522

Cueing cognitive flexibility: item-specific learning of switch readiness: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5640457/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Second Plan A Podcast
01:14 The Myth of Multitasking
05:18 Cognitive Flexibility and Problem Solving
12:09 Lessons from the Hotel Check-In Experience
17:39 Incidental Defense and Proactive Problem Solving
25:17 Trading One Danger for Another
26:06 The Balance Between Action and Overthinking
27:36 Expectations and Unexpected Situations
28:47 The Impact of Life Experiences on Reactions
30:47 The Challenge of Task Switching
33:13 Contextual Adaptation in Combat Training
34:23 Acquired Inattention in Modern Life
38:25 The Costs of Multitasking
41:38 Mitigating Risks Through Planning
44:57 Cognitive Flexibility and Problem Solving

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S2E4 You are here: Progress through self-awareness

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S2E2 The Serenity of Fighting