handy tips for creative thinking
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***UPDATE: much of this content is now available in my book 'A User Guide to the Creative Mind'*** Find out more at: UserGuideToTheCreativeMind.com --- I did this talk for the Ogilvy Idea Shop. It was directed at small businesses, charities and organisations that need a little help with problem solving. This is a special slideshare version with additional text on the slides to explain them better. If you're the copyright holder for any of the images, please get in touch so that I can credit you or remove them.TRANSCRIPT
Tips to get the ideas flowingDave Birss
Jolting yourself out of the rut
Much of this content and a whole lot more is now available in my book.
UserGuideToTheCreativeMind.com
Hit the pubGo somewhere different.Different environments give you a different state of mind.
Give yourself a soundtrack
Research proves it works.Cows that listen to soothing music produce more milk.The tempo of Baroque music is similar to the speed of the brain waves that are associated with creative thinking.
Hit the pub again
If you’re putting pressure on yourself, a pint or two might help you relax. Or maybe some coffee. It’s worth a try.
Write down the problemIf you ask the right question, you’re half way to solving the problem.Or maybe more.
Keep rewriting the problem
Maybe you’re still asking the wrong question.Rewriting it in a different way may help you think about it differently too.
Solve a sudoku instead
Do something that requires a lot of concentration.It clears your mind and pushes the problem to your more powerful back brain.
What would Stephen Fry do?
If you can’t solve the problem as you, do it as someone else.Imagine you’re someone extra smart and try to solve it as them.
Deliberately come up with bad ideas
You may be setting your standards too high. Deliberately lower them to get the ideas flowing. You can raise them again later.
Go read some stuffMaybe you don’t have enough information. Do more. The answer may come from a small insight hidden away.
Have a nap
They say that dreams are your brain’s way of sorting out data.Have a nap and let it go to work.
Do the opposite
If there’s a way people usually try to solve a problem, think about the opposite way.It probably won’t work but it’ll get you thinking differently.
Map your thoughtsIt’s a great way of seeing that you’re exploring lots of areas.
Finish those Post ItsDon’t settle for the first idea.Set yourself a goal and don’t give up until you reach it.
Hit another pub
Buy someone a drink and talk to them.Get their opinion.Business advice for under a fiver (with Pork Scratchings thrown in).
Give up
Give up
****Just for the moment.If it’s not working right now, don’t push it.You’ll only push yourself further into the rut.
Now go and buy the book!
UserGuideToTheCreativeMind.com
