Attention span.  The length of time a person can focus on a single task.  Varies with the person, task, commitment, and other factors.  For complex tasks, people often expect a longer attention span than is realistic. 

Back burner.  A common sense name for the quiet parts of the brain.  We like it better than terms like non-verbal subsystems or subliminal processing.  We provide these fancy terms in case you want to impress your friends.  A less imposing term for the work of these systems is incubation.

Brainstorming.  A well-established method for generating ideas.  Instructions for brainstorming in groups are widely available on the web.  If you don’t have a group, use the Ideator.  Stir in a generous serving of Creativity sparks and slogans.   

Brain Modules.  Subsystems in the brain that are analogous to programs on your computer.  As with a computer, activating a particular module produces results appropriate to that module.  You get better service out of the modules if you can select the best modules for the job.   An keep modules from competing with each other for brain resources

Concretize.  Use words that say what you would see, hear, handle, or watch happen.  The opposite of abstract, which means to summarize in more general terms.  Concrete language is more effective in communicating to the imagery system and other parts of the brain that handle concrete action.

Cue deck.  A deck of cards carrying symbols, names, mottos, goals, and other reminders.  Selected by a person, for example, you.  Kept handy to provide ideas and reminders.  Whenever your brain wants a new deal.

Distractions.  Events that take priority over what your language channel knows you should be doing.  Hence, the language channel gives them the name distractions.  Other parts of your brain treat them as primary goals.  Think of this conflict as office politics in your Head Staff.

Head Nazis.  Mythical characters used to express the notion that people can best improve themselves by learning mental self-discipline. 

Ideation.  A really impressive name for thinking up ideas.   The term works best with some special method for getting ideas.  Otherwise, you probably can’t use the term with a straight face.

Instead.  Device for breaking habits.  It is generally easier to substitute a new habit, the instead, than it is to try to resist the old habit. 

Kryptonite.  Mythical name for anything that weakens a person’s powers.  Earlier mythical names: Nemesis, Achilles’ heel. 

MealChecks.  Self-awareness trick for noticing the unnoticed at mealtimes. 

Metacognition, with apologies.  Technical term used by psychologists to refer to “thinking” about the higher processes of the brain.  We swore this term would never reach this site.  So much for swearing.  Most of the content of this site is about metacognition.  It is only fair to psychology students to talk to them in their terms.  Other readers can ignore the term.

Motivation and goals.  Motivation usually refers to long-term objectives.  Goals are usually concrete results.  The link between long-term motivation and short-term goals is in the plan.

Mulling.  Also called ruminating, thinking, and (by others) daydreaming.  Depending on the person, mulling may include imagined scenes, imagined scenarios, imagined conversations (with self or others), collection of information and advice from various resources, and trials with real objects. 

Myth.  Also called fable, allegory, or parable.  A literary device to present ideas, concepts, viewpoints, understandings, or interpretations in non-technical terms.   

Quest questions.  Questions that send you on a search through your brain as well as through references.   You may have to figure out where to find the answers.  You may have to figure out who to ask or what resources to use.  You may have to figure out how to interpret the information or how to put it together for a conclusion.

Right-brain thinking.  An old and oversimplified version of brain modules. 

Roles.  Patterns of behavior that are systematically associated with some theatrical character, job assignment, or other socially recognized class.  The Thinkerer, uses roles (Head Staff) to show common patterns of thinking.

Screw-up.  A learning tool provided by reality.

Self-awareness.  The practice of paying attention to the quiet (non-verbal) modules of your brain. 

Stimulus.  Psychological term commonly used to refer to a cue, signal, or other sensory input that stimulates activity in the brain.     Stimulus is the most general term and does not carry any connotation that the presentation is intentional

Subliminal perception.   A pompous name for the fact that you don’t notice everything you pick up with your senses.  What you don’t notice can still affect what you do and say.  This observation impresses people who think the essence of a person is in the parts of the brain that can talk and report awareness.   

Value term.  Also called value judgment.   An expression that carries a judgment about how the speaker evaluates something.  Must be handled carefully to avoid fuzzy thinking.  Or to produce fuzzy thinking in people you want to influence.