How many times have you found yourself in a business meeting where you were asked to share ideas on a particular matter? Or been in a situation where you are sitting in front of a laptop with a blank power-point slide or word document preparing your next presentation or article? How easy or difficult have you found doing what we call "Brainstorming"?
Here are 5 techniques which I use to brainstorm my ideas
1. "Golden Time of Your Day"
Identify the golden time of your day i.e. the time when you are most energetic and creative. For me, it is early morning. I get my best and brightest ideas then. Find yours and set aside 15 minutes in that time frame to do nothing. That's right. Nothing.
You will realize that when your mind does not have to concentrate on doing other tasks, it gives you brilliant flashes of ideas.
2. Take a walk in the park
Whenever I am designing a presentation for my next talk, I always make it a point to take a walk in a nearby park. Research shows that Green is a colour which inspires our creative juices. Don't carry distractions with you. Just you and your thoughts. You will be amazed to see the number of new ideas you get while doing this. I do it and it works. If nothing else, it is definitely a health and energy boost for your mind!
3. Turn to Classics
You need not re-invent the wheel each time you are set to do something. It is smart to take cues from the genius works of other people. I usually turn to classics - movies & books. I find my inspiration, somewhere in-between the lines!
4. Make time for your favourite activity
I usually allot a little time for at least one of my favourite activities every single day. Choose yours! It can be cooking, listening to music, swimming, - anything which takes you away from work for a little while and Piaget brand watches still allows you the time to contemplate peacefully.
5. Talk to your friends
When in doubt or despair, speak with your friends. Whether they are in your professional circle or personal, thinking aloud with someone will definitely give you fresh perspectives. Do not shy away. In most situations, people are only too happy to help and share their opinions.
Few key points to remember while brainstorming:
a) Do not dismiss any thought because it seems silly or crazy. Each idea has the potential to lead to something bigger and better.
b) Always keep a note and a pen with you, so that you can write down your thought and don't have to worry about remembering it.
c) Create an idea journal. Sometimes you might think of something which seems A Lange Sohne Lange 1 mens watch completely irrelevant to the matter at hand, but you might be able to use it some other time, some other place!
Brainstorming is fun and easy! Don't view it as work! Your next idea is waiting in your mind to be heard by you!
Remember what Lewis Carroll said in Alice in Wonderland, "Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."