Idea Generation Using Books
Are you stuck trying to come up with a new idea or solution?
The methodology below outlines another simple system I use to come up with new ideas. The example below is based on using another source to trigger new ideas. I found whenever I do research and start reading material my brain starts to come up with new ideas. Use this natural distraction to your advantage.
I don’t know exactly why it works or how it works, but it works. My educated guess is it has to do with your subconscious mind and synoptic learning. When you view different sources of material you’ll naturally build relationships based on the various viewpoints on a given topic. There are numerous good ideas hiding in your head and sometimes they need a little coaxing out.
Where to Start
Write your challenge in question form on top of a blank sheet of paper: “What are important SEO factors?” Try to keep the question specific, but keep your ideas open ended. Your question needs to have purpose and act as a motivating factor.
Find Books Related to Your Question
Pay a visit to your library or local book store. Find a few books related to the topic area of the question you listed. Sit down with the books, a pen, and your headlined paper. Take 5 minutes to scan each book. Resist the urge to read more than a few words. Scan through headlines and the index. It is important to set a 5 minute limit or else you’ll start reading the book. Save the reading part for a later time. The objective is to quickly scan for ideas and set your own thinking process in motion. Write down any ideas that jump into your mind. After about 10 or 15 minutes you should have a full sheet of ideas.
Mentally Play With Your Ideas
After you are done writing down ideas mentally play around with them. Try grouping your ideas or rearranging them. Don't force yourself to come up with ideas or relationships. You might be able to come up with additional ideas or a different way of looking at your challenge. Good luck and have fun with it.
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