At conferences and workshops people often ask me where my ideas come from. I’m no genius of course, but since I write books, speak at conferences, create media projects, and consult with clients on creative issues, I can’t afford to recycle the same old stuff.
In a distracted and cluttered world, great ideas are harder and harder to come by, so if you’re struggling, perhaps some of my creative habits will help. Here’s a partial list of things that help jack up the quality of my ideas:
1) Know what’s happening in the world. I use three sources. First – the Wall Street Journal. I think it’s the best newspaper in America, and reading the Saturday “Review” section is the best part of my week.
I also like to scan a local paper in the city I’m traveling in, to get ideas for connecting with local issues. Then, I use the “Feedly” reader. It’s a fantastic newsreader that allows me to scan a wide range of news, creative, writing, religion, and other sources each day.
You don’t have to be a “news junky,” but you need to know the pressing issues happening around you.
2) Don’t watch TV in the morning. A few years ago, I started turning off the TV when I was getting dressed, and was amazed at the ideas that started flowing when I wasn’t being distracted by the television.
3) Don’t be afraid of boredom. Looking back over the best ideas I’ve had in my career, I realized that most of them happened when I was bored out of my mind. But most of us carry a little “Boredom Fixer” called a mobile device. We pull it out and check messages or text friends when boredom strikes.
Stop it. Embrace boredom. Let your mind wander. Actively search for moments of solitude.
4) Know what time and where your ideas happen. Everyone has a daily energy cycle and we operate best at certain times. Know your creative time and start protecting it. The same is true with locations. I discovered I have to be totally isolated – no windows, no music, no TV, no distractions. Whatever or wherever that is for you, use it to your advantage.
5) Write it down. Ideas may be the most fragile things in the world. If you don’t capture them, they’ll disappear. I carry a small Moleskin notebook in my pocket, a larger one in my briefcase, and 2 or 3 note-taking apps on my iPhone. The truth is, you’re already having great ideas, but if you’re not writing them down, they’re simply being forgotten.
Discover more of Phil Cooke’s wise wisdom What Does Success Look Like For You?
For more than 30 years, Phil Cooke has helped nonprofits find their purpose and is now applying this experience to individuals: “During a long career in the media business I’ve talked to hundreds of writers, producers, directors, designers, executives, and other professionals and discovered that in most cases, one thing is all it takes to launch a project or dream.”
Learn more about the writer Phil Cooke
Photo Courtesy of Luxury Travel Magazine “The Famous Wine Regions of Sonoma County California”
No disrespect but number 3 was a little concerning…The Bible speaks against being idle(boredom).
The Word tells us to also take EVERY thought into captivity…not let your mind WANDER…it can be a very dangerous thing to do…just sayin…. :) Blessings to you!