THIS ALREADY feels like I’m selling a new-age corporate retreat, and perhaps I am… depending on numbers.
As someone whose business depends on the ability to think of new ideas, on cue, daily, you’d think I’d find it stressful, but the opposite is true. It’s actually the part of the day I find most relaxing and energising. And treating ideation as meditation is, in fact, how you generate great ideas.
Fall in love with this time, relax, and you’ll think of great ideas that are good for your client’s business, and, yes, yourself. Now, let’s gets started with this completely free introductory lesson.
A GUIDE TO IDEA GENERATION WITH MATT LAWSON
Or even lay down. In a hammock. In dappled light. Far from the office. It takes courage, but don’t be afraid to look like you’re doing nothing. As da Vinci replied when confronted by a benefactor who believed he just sat around all day, “when it looks like I’m doing the least, I’m doing the most.”
I’m paraphrasing, but that was the gist.
Try to enjoy some time thinking alone. Think of it as less of a brainstorm and more of a brainbreeze.
A pen. A pad. That’s all you’ll need. Maybe a cup of tea if you really feel like cutting loose.
And all good conversation comes from interesting questions. So, ask big, small and seemingly stupid questions, and don’t worry, yet, where it’s leading.
5. Go wild and wide.
Creativity relies on the ebb and flow of divergent and convergent thinking. Allow yourself to go wide before you let logic bash it into shape.
That lightbulb moment may not occur immediately, and that’s ok. Don’t get frustrated. At least you have tea.
They’re quick to say hello because you’ve most likely met them before. Usually they’re based on ideas you’ve seen or heard. So, question easy answers, and drift on.
So, you’ve transcended this earthly realm and been enlightened by an idea that feels wholly new. It’s bliss. And this bliss is very real. When we see or think of something new our brains are rewarded by a hit of dopamine. This is the real science behind the imagined state of what I will call, Newvana. And in this euphoric state you want to rush to tell someone and spread the joy. Don’t. Don’t spread the joy. Stay in the moment. When you’ve struck gold there’s usually more in the area. This is the time to shape it, take out all impurities, and, really stretching the metaphor, give it a shine.
Ideas can always be better, and you can always have more ideas. So, this is the job that is never done. It’s just lucky that it’s so good for you, and business.
