Our minds seem to go into a tailspin whenever we need to create something new. It’s as though we lock our thoughts into one way of thinking. We narrow our perspective to the problem we are facing. Sometimes all we need is to fly over at a different level.
Sometimes it is the journey to discovery that you write about.If we focus on finding an idea, then it is the generating of the idea that is getting the attention. Nothing happens because we should be focusing on something else. Focus on how you create. Trust your instincts, your subconscious mind, your creative talent. Let me explain.
This is my journey on the road to generating ideas. So, when I need a new idea where should I put my efforts? On finding an idea or on looking at what is going on around me and listening to what my mind is saying?
1. This is a technique I use to help find new ideas. It requires that I focus on a time when I felt creative. I remind myself how I felt before I discovered an idea, how I felt when I came up with an idea and how I felt when I began to write. I try to remember as much detail as I can. I have
an idea about how I do these things in my mind. How I see images, how I talk to myself, and the wonder and curiosity I have. I soon begin to feel the same creative mood. When the feelings begin I write whatever comes to mind.
If this is self hypnosis, then I sure like it.
If I tell myself that I can come up with fresh ideas and I trust in my creative subconscious mind, then I will. If I tell myself that I can’t, guess what! Then, I can’t. I need to, first become aware of what I am
focusing on. It is my mind and I control what is happening there.
2. Another approach is to leave it for a day or two. I find this changes my perspective. And if this is not possible, I go read, or watch some unrelated program on TV. Often I just go play my guitar. Relaxing changes my perspective and reduces my stress. Less stress more creative energy.
3. If I find I am fretting too much about something and it keeps me awake, I write it down with the thought that it will still be there in the morning. Then almost always I go right back to sleep. When I wake up, either the problem seems less important or I am more able to tackle it.
Here are 4 more tips I use to generate article ideas.
4. I start with single word and word associate.
5. If I don′t have a word in mind, then I pick a word at random from any book.
I put down the words in a mind map. Personally I prefer a random trail map rather than the standard mind map invented by Dr A. Collins. A random trail map can be created like a map of a trail in the woods with forks going off.
Unlike the mind map which starts from a central point and works out, the random trail starts at one point and continues until it stops. It doesn’t even need a line, you can just write it straight down a page. After your done, you simply write and organize as you need.
6. I deliberately write down any ideas that come to mind without stopping
to analyze or criticize. This is the general form of brainstorming.
7. I pay attention to my internal dialog and catch it saying something interesting. In a quiet moment, I stare out a window at whatever catches my eye. In my case, I could be looking out at a sea of green lawn and my wife’s flower garden, appreciating all her hard work. Then, I listen to my random mind-chatter.
So many times while I am busy driving or walking or doing some other routine task I find my thoughts drifting to something that I am curious about. I just need to remind myself that, as writer, this is the idea for a good topic. I write it all down as soon as I think of it.
Don’t just focus on finding a good idea. Relax and allow a random thought to become an idea to explore. If it came into your mind then you must be curious about. Whatever comes to mind is a creative idea. That’s the idea to write about.
The author has many years experience writing and reading for self development.
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