Where do your ideas come from? Many people believe creative ideas just pop into their heads. A real eureka moment, with bells ringing and a light bulb above their head. However, research has shown that ideas are a result of a series of events. Think of it as a network of neurons all firing in sequence.
An example is working through your thoughts in a strategic thinking and group brainstorming session. People sharing ideas, bouncing them off each other to see what sticks. Run them up the flagpole and see if anyone salutes.
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.” – Albert Einstein
Many times, this ideation phase may have a long incubation period. But one thing that is certainly true is that creativity is not on a time clock! There’s no starting or ending time. You can’t punch in on a creativity time clock. You need to be ready to “listen” to your ideas when they come around.
There is certainly no way to measure creativity because by its very nature it should surprise us. We can describe it as innovative, or sleek, or groundbreaking. It is really about introducing aesthetics to our world.
“New ideas pass through three periods:
- It can’t be done.
- It probably can be done, but it’s not worth doing.
- I knew is was a good idea all along!”
– Arthur C. Clark
I recently read about an idea that I thought was brilliant. Shoes that generate power while walking. They can generate enough energy to power your ipod or cellphone. What a great idea! I wish I would have thought of it. Another great idea is a system that creates clean drinking water from the humidity in the air. This concept is being used today and it will change people’s lives.
Great ideas can come to you at any time. Sometimes ideas come to me at when I’m not even trying. Many times, they come to me when I’m out for a walk or driving down the highway. Did you ever wake up in the middle of the night with a great solution to something you’ve been trying to solve for a long time? And you can’t wait to share it with your friends or coworkers.
“A good idea will keep you awake during the morning, but a great idea will keep you awake during the night.” – Marilyn vos Savant
Generating ideas is the perfect way to fuel growth for any company. Contact Results to tap into our creativity in solving your marketing dilemmas!
