Thinking at 30,000 Feet

Some of the best thinking happens up in the air when there’s nowhere else to be. I once read this as a productivity tip, and I can totally vouch for it.

While everyone around is absorbed in in-flight entertainment, I grab a black coffee, open a blank page (digital or physical), and just… think.

Not sure what to think about? Start with whatever’s top of your mind, maybe something low-stakes, like weekend plans or what to watch next on Netflix. It’s a mental warm-up, easing the brain into motion.

Soon, the thinking deepens. You start gravitating toward what really matters. Jot down thoughts as they come. Follow the thread. Tackle what’s been sitting in your head, unresolved. Draw connections, make notes, tag ideas. This is why a physical notebook sometimes works best for me; less friction, more focus.

There’s something about being up there, physically distant from daily distractions and blessed with shaky Wi-Fi, that makes it feel like prime thinking time.

And no, you don’t need to be a frequent flyer. I’m not either. But I’ve learned to recreate the same vibe on the ground: find a good café, put your phone on flight mode, and order a strong coffee. It works surprisingly well.

In a world of constant noise, carving out time for deep thinking is essential, not a luxury. Be deliberate about it. The RoI on this practice is real.

Original Post https://akhan.me/thinking-at-30000-feet/