Resistance to thinking

[aflaba]

I seem so have some resistance to thinking. When I want to think deeply about some issue I often manage to distract myself instead.

Any ideas on why this is?

EDIT: I have no problem doing mechanical thinking, but when it comes to something more... I don't know, maybe creative thinking or problem solving, I tend to distract myself.

[ubercuber]

Like anything, practice. A book of chess problems will do wonders. Start small, develop headache, work through it, move up, repeat.

[sputum]

On the rare occasions I try to think deeply (trying to program at the moment) and get 'stuck' I find most clarity occurs about ten minutes after I start doing something else. If I sit there and stare at it nothing happens. Quick cigarette break and I've got a way forward. It seems to work.
If you're getting distracted really quickly maybe get a little ritual of preparation? Whatever, clearing desk, turning mobile off, glass of something ready deep breath and start. You're kind of set up to do it then, you're ready to go in 'thinking mode'.
Worth a try at least [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]