You’re motivated, you’re inspired and you’re ready to work…all you need is that great idea! You’re left with the question: “How do I think up this great idea?”
Coming up with a great idea doesn’t necessarily have a routine process to it. However, there are some things you can do to help stimulate your mind so you’re able to have more of those “I’ve got it!” moments.
Here are a few suggestions to get those ideas flowing:
Have brainstorming sessions
These can be quick meetings where you have a pow-wow with your team or just with another co-worker to bounce ideas off of. Sometimes the best idea you have isn’t your idea, but it’s sparked by something someone else has said. Someone else may say something that means nothing to them as they’re just thinking out loud, but it can ignite an idea in your own mind.
Take breaks
Giving your brain a moment for a breather can be beneficial when you’re stuck on something. Stepping away from the issue can help put things into perspective and give your mind a chance to rest and even allow your mind to wander and stumble on a new concept.
Keep a note pad on your night stand
As you’re laying down and preparing to fall asleep, your mind sometimes goes over all the things you’ve been pondering about during the day. While about to drift off to sleep, random thoughts are still floating around your head and can form a new idea. Some of the best ideas I have are when I’m half asleep, so having a note pad or your phone near by to jot down an idea can be useful. Chances are by the time you wake up the next morning you won’t remember what it was that you thought of. Using Daylite on iOS is a great way to jot these ideas down in a note.
Draw out the problem
For anyone who is a visual learner, it may be helpful to draw or map out an idea. You don’t have to be Picasso, just a simple sketch can help. By drawing out your idea you’re stimulating the right side (creative side) of your brain. Doing this can almost be like a warm up for your brain to get you thinking about a concept or an issue in a different way. Looking at things differently allows you to explore new avenues for ideas.
I’ve often heard the expression “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result.” If you want to think or do something new and different, you need to first try something new and different! Rather than sitting and re-reading something over and over again or staring at your computer screen waiting for a brilliant idea to hit you in the head, get out and try something new.
Gijs V posted an article on LinkedIn titled When Do Your Get Great Ideas? that offers the suggestion of stopping thinking altogether. Through simple actions like jogging, driving, or taking a shower some people claimed to have their best ideas. Getting your boss to agree to allow you to take a road trip to come up with a new idea for a presentation might be a little optimistic, but it’s worth a shot!
