Steve Jobs was known for his unconventional yet highly effective work habits, and one of his most famous was the simple “10-minute rule.” Whenever he found himself stuck on a problem for more than ten minutes, he would get up, step away from his desk, and take a walk. This small change of environment often sparked fresh ideas and unexpected solutions. Decades later, this practice has been backed by scientific evidence, including a landmark Stanford study, which shows that walking can significantly improve creativity and problem-solving ability. What was once considered a quirky personal habit of Jobs is now recognized as a timeless productivity hack embraced by modern innovators and leaders across industries.
How Steve Jobs used the 10-minute rule
For Jobs, movement was more than exercise; it was a tool to think better. He often scheduled walking meetings and used short strolls to break free from mental blocks. By leaving his desk and changing his environment, he discovered solutions that sitting still could not provide. This habit reflected his belief that creativity does not flourish under pressure, but rather through flow and freedom of thought.
The Stanford research that supports it
Years after Jobs’ practice became well known, Stanford researchers put the idea to the test. In a 2014 study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory and Cognition, Marily Oppezzo and Daniel Schwartz found that walking boosted creative output by as much as 60% compared to sitting. Participants asked to brainstorm ideas or analogies consistently performed better while walking, whether indoors or outside. Remarkably, the creative boost lingered even after the walk had ended, suggesting that the brain continues to benefit from this physical reset.
The neuroscience behind walking and creativity
Neuroscience explains why this simple trick works. Walking disrupts fixed patterns of thinking, helping the brain shift into a state of divergent thinking which is the ability to generate multiple ideas and novel solutions. Movement stimulates brain regions linked to memory and imagination, while also improving mood and focus. In essence, walking interrupts mental ruts and primes the mind to form new connections, which is why Jobs often came back from his walks with sharper insights.
A timeless hack for modern leaders
What was once Jobs’ personal ritual is now widely adopted by executives, entrepreneurs, and knowledge workers worldwide. From creative agencies to corporate boardrooms, walking breaks are seen as a quick and reliable way to refresh thinking and spark innovation. The 10-minute rule reminds us that productivity is not just about working harder, but about working smarter.