Come up With a Good Idea

Coming up with a good idea requires inspiration and new perspectives. Brainstorm ideas by discussing things with others, blind writing, and making mind maps to flesh out ideas. To get inspiration, do something out of the ordinary, watch lectures, and experience live music. Keep your mind sharp by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and eating a healthy diet.

Steps

Brainstorming For Ideas

  1. Try blind writing. When trying to get past a writing block or a brainstorming lag, take at least ten minutes to sit down and write. Force yourself to write for the full ten minutes, no matter what comes of it. The act of putting pen to paper will stimulate the part of your mind that generates ideas.[1]
  2. Make a mind map. Mind mapping is a brainstorming strategy that allows you to map out different tangents of thought to stimulate new ideas. Get a piece of paper, poster board, or whiteboard and write your goal in the center. Write subtopics and related thoughts around the goal, and continue branching out from them to develop your train of thought.[1]
    • For example, a mind map about the environmental goal "Going Green" could branch into subtopics such as "Reducing Waste", "Eco-travel", and "Global Warming".
  3. Attempt "rolestorming". For a fresh perspective on a topic, attempt "rolestorming". Picture yourself as someone else (e.g. a parent, friend, colleague, or partner) and imagine how you would approach a scenario as them. You can extend this brainstorming technique to famous people or historical figures (e.g. Albert Einstein, Bill Gates).[2]
  4. Try meditation. To open your mind to new ideas, try meditation. Find a peaceful place to sit quietly and focus on the question at hand (e.g. "How can I promote my new business on my limited budget?"). Bring a pen and paper to jot down ideas, and meditate for about 30 minutes, or until a good idea comes to you.[2]
    • To avoid worrying about the time, set an alarm on your phone to signal the 30 minute mark).
  5. Remove limitations. Remove the limitations that may be hindering your brainstorming progress by approaching the subject as if there were no obstacles. While this process may not yield feasible solutions right away, it will open your mind to possibilities you would not look at otherwise. For instance, when planning a surprise party, you might overlook certain venues because of financial constraints, such as an expensive french restaurant that your friend would love to try. By allowing your mind to go there during brainstorming, you might get the idea to simulate the restaurant and meal for a house party.[3]
  6. Discuss things in a group. Group brainstorming sessions can allow you to develop your thoughts by feeding off of the ideas of others. If you are working on a group project or collaboration, schedule brainstorming time in a quiet location with few distractions. If you are working on your own project, ask friends or colleagues if you can bounce ideas off of them and get their input.[1]

Finding Inspiration

  1. Do something out of the ordinary. A new experience can offer exactly the change of perspective you need to stimulate new ideas. Do something out of the ordinary to get out of your routine and provide inspiration. For instance, if you live in the city, plan a camping weekend for a change of pace.[4]
  2. Watch lectures. For inspiration, look to motivational speakers by attending lectures or watching TED talks. Check the websites for local universities to see listing of scheduled lectures that might provide you with the proper inspiration. Visit www.TED.com/talks to browse a large library of motivational talks by topic.[5]
  3. Experience music. Music can complement your brainstorming sessions, or be the inspiration for your ideas in and of itself. Try to listen to a wide range of music to vary your musical experience (e.g. if you're a fan of classic rock, make an effort to listen to jazz or R&B music for a new experience). Look online or in local newspapers for concerts or smaller performances near you. [5]

Increasing Brain Power

  1. Exercise on a regular basis. Exercising can raise your focus for 2-3 hours, upping your brainstorming power. It can also boost your mood by raising serotonin levels in the brain, and increase your overall productivity. To keep your mind in top shape, get at least thirty minutes of exercise a day (e.g. walking, running, bicycling), preferably before you sit down to work out ideas. [6]
  2. Maintain a healthy sleep schedule. Make sure to get adequate sleep to reach your full creative and intellectual potential. Lack of sleep can cause loss of focus, lapses in memory, and may contribute to depression. The required amount of sleep for optimal functioning is:[7]
    • 9-11 hours a day for children
    • 8.5-9.5 hours a day for teenagers
    • 7-9 hours a day for adults
  3. Eat healthy. Eating a well-balanced, healthy diet is integral to improving brain function. Try to infuse your diet with "smart” foods that aid with cognitive function and improve concentration. These foods include:[8]
    • Fish
    • Whole grains
    • Nuts
    • Dark chocolate
    • Blueberries


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Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 http://www.inc.com/john-boitnott/10-longtime-brainstorming-techniques-that-still-work.html
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://personalexcellence.co/blog/brainstorming-techniques/
  3. ↑ http://coschedule.com/blog/brainstorming-techniques/
  4. ↑ http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/the-creative-process-5-ways-to-cultivate-inspiration-ideas-196529
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 http://www.inc.com/marissa-levin/22-awesome-places-to-find-inspiration-when-youre-in-an-idea-rut-part-one.html
  6. ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/jennifercohen/2012/05/08/6-ways-exercise-makes-you-smarter/#22c60a927109
  7. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/sleep-requirements
  8. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/ss/slideshow-brain-foods-that-help-you-concentrate
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