How to Build an Idea-Generating Machine
Wouldn’t it be incredible if there were such a thing as an idea-generating machine?
A magical contraption where you could simply press a button, and an incredible new idea would pop out. Whenever you were stuck, you could turn to your idea-generating machine for inspiration. Think of all the unbelievable things you could do in life if you could tap into an unending supply of brilliant ideas.
You may not be able to buy an idea-generating machine, but you can build one.
Here are some suggestions for creating your own idea-generating machine. They come from myself and other great idea generators.
Long Walks Outside – Ship 30 for 30 writing challenge creator Dickie Bush is a fan of long walks for idea generation: “How to think of too many ideas to handle: Go for a two-hour walk.” I agree with him 100%. Long walks outdoors are idea-generating factories. Without fail, every time I go for a long walk my idea assembly line pumps out new ideas.
Meditate – I meditate for 10 minutes every day. Not a huge time commitment at all. But the amount of ideas that spring from this small amount of quiet time is incredible. Give your mind time to be quiet and you may be surprised at what it has to tell you.
Practice Creating Ideas – Author, blogger, and podcaster James Altucher recommends practicing idea generation daily. Every day, make time to think of and write down 10 ideas. It could be on any subject: 10 things to write about. 10 books to read. 10 things I can get healthier. 10 ways I can do things differently. What you generate ideas about doesn’t matter as much as the daily practice. Like anything else, idea generation improves with practice.
Have a Net to Capture Ideas – Ideas are quick and tricky little creatures. If you do not capture them when they pop their heads out, you can lose them forever. Carry a new with you to capture them when they appear. This net could be physical or digital. The point is to capture them before they fly away.
Be Curious – The writer Mustafa Khunmiri suggests being curious: “Curiosity is what drives us. If you’re not curious, you’re not exploring. And if you’re not exploring, you’re not discovering.” The simple act of being present and curious will help you generate ideas. Life is a giant swipe file. Be interested in what is going on around you and you will have a bottomless well of ideas.
Consume Nutritious Content – There is an incredible amount of content out there. More than you could consume in a hundred lifetimes. Think of the content you consume like food. Consuming junk food will do nothing to help your body. Consuming nutritious food will help your body grow and become strong. The same goes for content. Consuming high-quality content will help your brain grow, connect dots, and create new ideas. The author Kyle Eschenroeder warns us: “If you are not purposeful, you will spend your entire life consuming meaningless content.” Make sure the content you consume is rich, idea-generating content.
There you have it, six excellent suggestions to help you build your very own idea-generating machine.
So, roll up your sleeves, get to work, build your idea-generating machine…
And start manufacturing some great ideas!
