Zen Please – Make Life Easier

[digg-reddit-me] Whether it is writer’s block or just lack of creativity, all of us have had trouble coming up with an original idea at some point. You can’t just expect ideas to pop in your head all the time. In the blog post below, we will be providing you with some ideas on well, how to get ideas. Neat huh?

1. The Opposite.

If you are having a hard time coming up with ideas, try thinking of what wouldn’t be a good idea. Let’s say we are trying to come up with an idea for a watch. Try something like “well, it wouldn’t be a good idea to have really small numbers on the watch’s face.” Or, “it wouldn’t be a good idea to make the alarm on the watch hard to turn off.” Those are probably not the best examples, but I think you get the point. Thinking of the opposite may make us think of what would be good.

2. Always have a pen and a notebook.

I cannot recall all the times I have had an idea in my head, but forgot it a few hours later. Solve this problem by carrying a pen and a notebook around with you. When something pops in your head, just scribble it down. It is as easy as that. Take this a bit further and keep the pen and notebook by your bed. Our dreams can have good ideas too.

3. Make a web.

Place a thought in the middle of a piece of paper. Expand from that thought with other mini-thoughts. Expand off those mini-thoughts and so on. Creating this web will help you organize your thoughts and pick your best ideas.

4. Don’t rush yourself.

Take your time. Good things come to those who wait. If you rush, your ideas will just be thrown together. Be patient and come back to it if you have to. Sometimes stepping away from something and coming back will give you a fresh perspective.

5. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes.

Sometimes your perspective just isn’t enough. Try to think from someone else’s point of view. This can easily expand your ideas and improve upon them. Take it a step further and dress up as someone else.

6. Research.

Skim through magazines, flip through guides, browse through wikipedia. Immerse yourself in new information. Once you have a general idea expand upon it through those type of sources.

7. Get outside.

Walk, run, bike, shoot hoops. You need to get some blood flowing. Exercise can increase your blood circulation. Not only is it good for you, but it will simulate your mind.

8. Discuss.

Talk with others about some of your ideas. The saying two heads are better than one applies here. Bouncing ideas back and forth can really get both of you to come up with more ideas. In a matter of minutes you can have a fresh outlook on your idea.

9. Make a list.

Lists, like the one I am making now, forces you to think. Lists, like the web, help expand upon ideas. Lists are a natural way to organize thoughts.

10. Don’t give up.

Never give up. Don’t feel overwhelmed or worried if you can’t get a good idea. With a little patience and some of the methods listed above, you can do it. If you don’t give up, you can’t lose!

We hoped you enjoyed this blog post.