“There is only one thing stronger than all the armies of the world: and that is an idea whose time has come.” – Victor Hugo
Ideas have tremendous power. An inspired idea that meets the need sparks you. A small or simplest idea may change your process or business significantly. There are some approaches which I feel are helpful in search of idea.
Fascination towards an idea is the clue to identify the best idea you have as it is the nature’s way of getting our attention. It is the idea for which you get “waaah” feeling. Don’t dismiss it. Honor it.
Challenge status quo and current trend. An innovative idea needs you to challenge all the assumptions and current trends i.e. instead of analyzing current trends, imagine a shift in the trends and try to sync with your most inspired idea.
Always remember that creativity will never follow you in vacuum. You need to get out of the box of your own creation and move out of the confines of what you already know.
It is the conscious mind you use in an attempt to solve a problem and if you do not get the solution, it reaches your subconscious mind, which then tries to figure the solution out. Breakthrough will come on unexpected moments from your subconscious mind therefore always listen to its promptings.
Have a diverse group of people around you so that you can find new ways of seeing and thinking. Hang out with people who do not usually agree with you or not report to you. Diverse inputs are necessary for a breakthrough idea.
Get comfortable in discomfort. The better you tolerate ambiguity your chances of a breakthrough idea increases exponentially. Don’t make confusion or failure your enemy to block your roads to breakthrough ideas.
Most importantly, Next time you find yourself stuck in a problem or project, walk away from it for a while. And stay conscious of new solutions coming to your mind. If you want a breakthrough idea, break is vital.
Happy brainstorming!
Swapnil Bansal
Co-Founder & Product Head
Chartered Accountant turned product head — writes about innovation, business and the mindset that keeps both honest.
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