French microbiologist Louis Pasteur forever altered history with the development of “the germ theory of disease.” This theory led to the process known as “pasteurization.” Pasteur was also instrumental in the development of the modern vaccine and is identified as one of the three founding fathers of microbiology.

One of his most famous quotes, “In fields of observation, chance favors only the prepared mind”, or “In fields of observation, chance favors only the prepared mind”, is one of my favorites. I often find myself repeating the last part of the sentence as a kind of mantra. “Chance favors the prepared mind” is a wonderful nugget of wisdom that reminds me to remain attentive and open to opportunities and creative solutions.

Is there any tangible effect of this state of creative readiness? I mean, is this just something we tell ourselves to feel optimistic about the future, or is there research to support the “prepared minds” theory?

The “Aha Moment” is an application of Pasteur’s theory. In the April 2006 issue of the Journal of Psychological Science, John Kounios of Drexel University and Mark Jung-Beeman of Northwestern University published the results of their research on creative thinking.

The team discovered a couple of things that I think are particularly illuminating.

– The brain actually works differently during “Aha!” moments, compared to step-by-step solutions.

– “The mental preparation that involves the internal focus of attention promotes insight even before the presentation of a problem.”

Check that last statement…before the introduction of an issue, and I’d extend it to say not just issues.

Let that sink in for a moment. What they’re saying is that the brain actually engages in an “Aha” type of preparation before there’s a reason to use it. Heavy duty perspective right there…and here’s why.

Humans have a tendency toward jealousy, as in “Man, why did x get the promotion? It’s not fair!” This “you got it, so I can’t” kind of thinking isn’t mentally preparing for the opportunity, it’s closing off the opportunity. You can’t stay open to whatever comes your way if you’re too busy feeling sorry for yourself.

By staying open to solutions and opportunities you’re not aware of, you maximize the possibility of an aha moment, and more generally, the “Random Favors the Prepared Mind” theory. Pasteur encourages us to prepare ourselves for greatness by taking the steps we know to take to prepare ourselves. He suspects that many entrepreneurs live life that way and may not even realize it.

Challenge yourself to be aware of your mood at the beginning of each day… stay open and expect great opportunities to come your way!