How to Brainstorm Ideas & Be More Creative

“When you come to a roadblock, take a detour,” said Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics.

So, what’s the best way to get your creative juices flowing and come up with new, original ideas, even when none seem possible?

First, define the problem: Clearly define the problem that you are trying to solve. This will help you focus your efforts and come up with ideas that are relevant and useful.

Set aside dedicated time for brainstorming: Make time for focused brainstorming sessions where you can dedicate your full attention to coming up with new ideas. This can be more effective than trying to come up with ideas on the fly.

Gather a diverse group of people: The more diverse the group of people you have brainstorming, the more likely you are to come up with unique and innovative ideas. Bring together people with different backgrounds, expertise, and perspectives to get the most out of your brainstorming session.

Create a supportive environment: Set up your brainstorming environment in a way that is conducive to creativity. This might include having comfortable seating, a whiteboard or flip chart for capturing ideas, and access to materials or tools that you might need.

Use prompts: Sometimes, it can be helpful to use prompts or starter questions to help get your brain moving. These might include questions like “What if we…?” or “What would happen if we…?”

Get feedback: Once you have a list of ideas, don’t be afraid to seek feedback from others. This can help you see your ideas from a different perspective and identify any potential weaknesses or areas for improvement.

Combine and build upon ideas: Don’t be afraid to take two or more ideas and combine them to create something new. This can be a great way to come up with innovative solutions that address multiple needs or problems.

Stay curious: Stay curious and keep learning about new things. This can help you bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to your brainstorming sessions.

Practice regularly: The more you practice brainstorming and coming up with new ideas, the better you will become at it. Make it a habit to regularly set aside time for creative thinking and idea generation.

Use techniques to stimulate creativity: There are many techniques you can use to stimulate creativity and come up with new ideas. Some examples include mind mapping, word association, lateral thinking, and the six hats method. Experiment with different techniques to see what works best for you.

Encourage wild ideas: Don’t be afraid to come up with ideas that seem far-fetched or unrealistic. These “wild” ideas can often lead to creative solutions that you might not have considered otherwise.

Take breaks: It can be helpful to take breaks throughout the brainstorming process to give your mind time to rest and recharge. This can help you come back to the problem with fresh eyes and new perspectives.

Stay open-minded: Keep an open mind and be willing to consider ideas that may seem unusual or unconventional. This can help you come up with creative solutions that you might not have considered otherwise.

Use visual aids: Using visual aids like diagrams, charts, and mind maps can help you organize your ideas and see connections that you might not have noticed otherwise.