What to Doodle

This last year I've been sitting on the board of the American Advertising Federation. Overall it's been a great experience and personally I have loved the stuff I've poured myself into, but there is one small thing I can't stand. What's that you ask - well it's the 2 hours that we meet every month to discuss the particulars. I know it's a necessary evil, but for me, a creative person, it's like driving a nail slowly into my skull. There is one thing that keeps me from going nuts and that's doodling. I know everyone probably thinks I'm ignoring the goings on and not paying any attention at all, but the reality is that couldn't be further from the truth. There have been many studies done that show doodlers, whether in a meeting or on the phone, are actually taking in more information then people that don't doodle.

If you aren't a doodler I know it's hard to believe, but what the studies show is I'm concentrating on what is being said and in a subconscious way by doodling my mind is occupying that other part of me that I guess doesn't really want to be there. The doodling uses a low functioning part of your brain - thus the high functioning part is left to listen and take in information. It's not like I'm texting or checking my email like so many other people I see - that takes concentration. The sad part playing with your phone doing a meeting has become acceptable. All I ask is the next time you see someone doodling don't just assume we are ignoring you - the truth is in today's world we may be the only ones truly listening.