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If you’re stumped by a challenge in your life,
here’s a simple technique that will help you generate
breakthrough creative ideas. When you can’t think of one more
thing, and your current options aren’t attractive, try it. It
boils down to this: Make Lists, Then Make Choices.
Our immediate response to a challenge is to try to
think of the one perfect answer. That’s what our educational
system has trained us to do. We think of ideas, but as soon as
we do we fall into the trap of immediately analyzing it. “That
won’t work” or “it’s too expensive” or “they’ll laugh at me”.
By making a list of ideas without critique, you allow a flow
of ideas to develop. We shut down the flow of ideas in our own
mind when we stop to analyze. It’s like stepping on the gas
and the brake of a car at the same time – you’ll spin your
wheels and not get anywhere.
So, make a list of ideas first, then critique and make
choices. Separate imaginative thinking from critical thinking
and your brain will reward you with better ideas and better
choices. Do this:
1. Keep a notebook
with you to record ideas as they occur to you.
2. Make a list of
ideas to meet your challenge -- without thinking at all
about whether they are practical or perfect. In fact, give
yourself a pat on the back if you think of something wildly
impractical. It jars your mind out of its current pattern.
3. Make as long a
list of ideas as time allows, and keep adding on. Set a goal
for a number of ideas that is beyond what you think you can
do. If you think there are 10 possible solutions to your
challenge, set a goal of 20 ideas.
4. Free associate –
just keep writing down idea after idea. The most innovative
solutions often pop up when all the obvious answers are
already on the list. Your brain makes new connections when
it’s asked to.
5. You’ll hit a
wall at some point. Try shifting perspective. How would Abe
Lincoln meet this challenge? How would your favorite teacher
from grade school view it? Read the paper and “look” for
ideas in unrelated news. Push until you get your “second
wave” of ideas – you’ll be surprised at how different they
are.
6. If an incredibly
great idea pops up – don’t shout Eureka. Keep going. There
may be an even better one right around the corner.
7. If you get
frustrated, then give it a rest and try again later. Come
back fresh.
8. When you’ve
reached your idea goal, review them and select a small
number of ideas that seem closest to a solution.
9. See if you can
combine them. Think of ways to make them just a little
better.
10. Narrow down to
your one best idea -- based on criteria appropriate to your
challenge.
Make Lists, Then Make Choices. Don’t mix up these two
very different kinds of thinking!
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article
Gregg Fraley is a marketing consultant
who speaks with expertise and humor on the topics of
creativity, innovation, and marketing. His clients include
Fortune 500 companies who hire him when they seek ideas for
out-of-the-box new products and services. He trains those
organizations in creativity methods and facilitates immersive
product development brainstorming sessions. An award winning
television producer, a successful entrepreneur in the software
industry, and an improvisational comedian, he has a depth of
experience that give his keynotes, ideations, and training
session’s warmth, humor, and practical results.
Contact Info.:
You can reach Gregg
Fraley at gregg@dsfraley.com
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