Top 10 Tips for Great Idea Generation

Great ideas can mean the difference between mediocrity and huge success, between boredom and passion. Whether you want to write an e-book, plan a family trip, or even landscape your yard, consider the following tips:

1. Pay attention. Ideas come when we least expect them so awareness is often the first step. Give your mind (and imagination) space to explore the world around you.

2. Stimulate creativity. What helps take your mind in different directions? A day off? Chasing your 2-year-old? Dancing? A mastermind group?

3. Examine your beliefs. What thoughts keep you stuck in the same old same-old? Which ones sabotage your efforts or keep your ideas small?

4. Play. Play with words. Play with concepts and characters. Play both inside and outside the box.

5. Identify the “juice.” What is it you LOVE to do? See if you can incorporate that—or the energy of it—into your ideas.

6. Get your pen moving. This writers’ trick works in all kinds of scenarios to generate great ideas. Just start writing.

7. Notice what’s not working. The heart of a problem is rich with possibility for creative solutions.

8. Ask. Solicit input from people in your field of interest. Or, if you’re spiritually inclined, ask for guidance through prayer, meditation, or your inner wisdom.

9. Be open. Ideas can come from anywhere. Your teenager may articulate just the thing that will work for your needs.

10. Keep track. Great ideas are often born while driving or running or sitting at the beach. Keep your phone recorder or notebook always handy to capture them.

Author’s content used under license, © 2008 Claire Communications