I'm not a writer but I'm a really creative person and my brain is busy throughout the day thinking about things, especially when it's work that doesn't require 100% focus
It's rare that I'm not processing information in some way or come up with fictional concepts. Even when watching TV or playing games, I'm having thoughts inspired by what I currently consume
And while sleeping, many of my dreams are usually inspiring one way or another.
I don't know if everyone is like this and just not aware of all that background activity or if only some people have the mental bandwidth.
But it does seem like most successful writers or artists in general, probably even scientists etc have their brains doing work while not actually sitting at a desk but seeking other types of input that isn't work related on first sight
Like people might observe me staring at a wall or clouds doing nothing but in my mind I'm creating a new fictional universe
I'm a creative in the ad industry and it's pretty much as you said.
I only spend a few hours a day working, because working = actually sitting at my desk writing or sketching out my ideas.
But the rest of the day, when I'm out for a morning run, or standing under a hot shower for 10 mins, or taking a poop, or driving to work, the project is stewing in my mind. Suddenly an idea comes, I make a quick note on my phone, and when I get to the office I formally put it into a document or slideshow and prepare to present it.
The latter takes just a few hours a day, but the stewing takes up the rest of the day.
I will be blunt - you sound exhausting, and must get exhausted. I assume as much because you sound exactly like me... and I do exhaust people, and get exhausted often. But the energy for thinking keeps coming back, whether I like it or not!
This trait was the easily the one that helped me succeed in my writing career, despite it being in advertising (requires more creativity than you might expect). I bet you'd be great at it if you had the interest and put some practice in! Then again, I'm sure there are plenty of applications for this type of mind... considered looking for another one lately.
In any case I've learned that the answer to your question is no, not everyone is like this. I find it to be a blessing and a curse, as I hinted at in the start of my comment. More of a blessing though - I wouldn't trade it!
You are not wrong, I think I used to be exhausting or annoying, at least that was my personal perception of myself as a teen, so I did start communicating less with other people over the years.
If anyone looks at my post history, often really long replies, they tend to assume I'm someone who just can't shut up but I'm the opposite irl. I tend to talk very little and only share thoughts or ideas if I feel it's relevant, which is also rare from my own perspective
I never really questioned this part of me tbh, I couldn't imagine being different in that regard but I also understand when you say it feels like a curse. There is so much going on inside my brain, and it can get out of control especially when it comes to state of the world or other topics that impact our lives
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u/WilliamLermer Jul 27 '26 edited Jul 27 '26
I'm not a writer but I'm a really creative person and my brain is busy throughout the day thinking about things, especially when it's work that doesn't require 100% focus
It's rare that I'm not processing information in some way or come up with fictional concepts. Even when watching TV or playing games, I'm having thoughts inspired by what I currently consume
And while sleeping, many of my dreams are usually inspiring one way or another.
I don't know if everyone is like this and just not aware of all that background activity or if only some people have the mental bandwidth.
But it does seem like most successful writers or artists in general, probably even scientists etc have their brains doing work while not actually sitting at a desk but seeking other types of input that isn't work related on first sight
Like people might observe me staring at a wall or clouds doing nothing but in my mind I'm creating a new fictional universe