10 ways to overcome the crisis of ideas

1. Just start doing something

The most difficult - is to begin. It happens that before a new task binds us fear, then we literally fall into a stupor. Especially if we face important project that can not be done by the usual scheme. The main thing - to overcome the "fear of a blank slate." If you do this, the process is running, it will be easier.

Not necessarily throw off the bat: try to test the waters, for example, to learn that in this area has already been done, or read something on the adjacent topic. You can watch videos, look for visual references of record or associations that come to mind. So you give yourself a psychological start.

2. change of scenery

We like to follow the path of least resistance, and that's fine. But only when this does not apply creative solutions. The fact that all incoming information our brain puts into patterns: of course, it is much easier our lives, but prevents new ideas. Try to get out of your comfort zone - a change of scenery.

As usual passes your work day? Coffee, small talk with colleagues and 8 hours on the computer? Try to break the usual scenario: To work in the park, currently staging a picnic, or go with a laptop in a cafe, leave your phone at home and not be distracted by the messengers, and maybe get on cushions on the floor.

I can be not only the environment, but also the way to work: If you're used to typing on a computer, try to distribute the thought of the hand in a notebook or sketch ideas that come to you.

3. Set the mood and recharge yourself

Sometimes you just need to relax. Perhaps the crisis - it is emotional exhaustion and strain: brain refuses to work on. Instead of agonizing cough up the idea, try to relax and get back to work with renewed vigor: seeking exercise or yoga, take a bubble bath, a chat with friends or just lie on the couch with series.

The main thing - no "motivational kicks" and self-blame. Do not try to pull the hair out of the swamp itself - is unlikely to give productive results. Treat yourself and remember: stupor can not last forever, it just need to survive.

4. Look for ideas on the side

It is difficult to perform a task when you do not have enough data, is not it? But if all inputs in place, but the decision did not come to mind, try to look for ideas on the side. You can read a book or an article unexpected, be it fiction novel Pelevin, The theory of the origin of species, or the horoscope in a glossy magazine.

Talk to completely "outside" person: he is not brewed in your topic, and therefore, can look at a problem and fresh minded and unbiased vision. Ask how the algorithm works he uses - you may want to move it and your task pane?

5. Check the statement of the problem

If inspiration does not come and check whether the problem itself set correctly - whether its conditions and the problem that lies at the root of your dilemma identified. Why it needs to be addressed? What will change when it will be resolved? Whose lives will be affected? And by the way, why this problem has not been solved so far?

Perhaps a return to basics would clarify your understanding of the problem and will help you find the right algorithm. A look into the future, where the problem has been resolved, will open prospects and allow a little dream. Perhaps the mental breakthrough in the future will tell how solve a problem present.

6. Add a job a little game

Any business, even the most beloved, ceases to be fun, when converted into a formal obligation: all the trails blazed, the moves are known. Try to bring the work of the element of the game. It gives a sense of excitement and feeds you emotionally. Imagine that your job - is a computer game with levels, where you - the central character.

With every idea you can move on to the next level, think of yourself rewards for winning or penalties for non-compliance KPI. Always look for new incentives and do not be afraid to experiment.

7. Use creative methods

Three key points of each methodology - is the focus, the generation and filtering. Going through these steps, you get full creative session.

Sometimes stupor begins even at the first stage, for example, you instructed to come up with "wow," and you do not even know what that means. To avoid this, specify the problem: the more precise focus, the easier it is to come up with something new.

Techniques to generate the maximum help to develop many hypotheses for a minimum period. There are provocative methods - try to move away from all that is familiar to you, and get a set of absurd ideas from flying to the flat plane of the speaker.

Finally, you need to choose the best solution and "down to earth" it - for this and do the filtering techniques.

To generate new ideas to help lateral thinking, TRIZ or CRAFT machinery.

lateral thinking

Our brain puts all incoming information into patterns. This greatly simplifies life, but prevents invent new solutions. heart lateral technology to overcome the patterns of thought.

How do provocative ideas? Let us assume that we are working on the concept of the restaurant. Why do people go there? In order not to have a home. Excellent, will focus on this aspect and apply inversion technique, such as: "People go to a restaurant to eat at home." So we got the lateral gap.

To land the absurd idea, try to identify its basic principles or the undeniable advantages. What associations does the word "home"? Warmth, comfort, a chance to relax. So maybe open a restaurant in the apartment? Or decorate the hall as the kitchen? Serve food from the "home menu"?

TRIZ

The essence of the system TRIZ - to eliminate the contradictions that inevitably arise in the course of solving any problem. For example, we need to get a messenger: a message in it should be convenient for the transmission, which means that a simple, but look "like life" - that is unwrapped and complex. After all, we do not talk patterns.

How to make sure that one object - in this case, the message - was simple and complicated at the same time? We can build into messenger templates answers - "call back later", "Now is not available," "Yes, everything! Super "or" We need to make changes "- or come up with a system that will record messages for dictation.

CRAFT

Another way to get a cool idea - to use the CRAFT equipment (stands for Creative Algorithm Framework & Tools, can be translated as "creative algorithms and tools"), developed in "Caviar" school.

Here we will work with the social model, ie a form of relationship that we meet every day. Business incubator, culinary club, festival, workshop, smoking or change - all this model of relations.

Try to move them to your task and see what happens. For example, you need a concept of bar, where everyone will come in beautiful clothes. Let's see where you can meet a lot of smart people.

Maybe it's theater or the circus? Fashion show or presentation of the award "Oscar"? Theme party in the style of the 20's? What happens if you move these models to your bar? For example, consider the cultural program and themed activities for guests institution. Maybe it will be reflected on the menu or the interior?

8. Use the technique of "5 Whys"

This Japanese technique allows a glimpse into the very essence of the problem, rather than float on the surface. You need to take your problem and five times to ask her the question "why». It's simple.

Friends and colleagues are mad at me. Why? I'm always late. Why it happens? Because I do not have time. Why? Because I make too busy schedule. Why? Because it is not alone with him want to stay. Why? Because the questions to himself too hard.

It turns out, that will solve the problem is not a textbook on time management, and dedicated to a vacation or psychotherapy.

This principle can be applied to any task.

9. Change the conditions of the problem

Spend a thought experiment - for example, imagine that the solution you have been given a million dollars. How do you manage them? And now - you do not have a penny. What changed? How would you have solved the problem, if you had it on for 15 minutes? Big team or are you one?

Each such experiment, even if it does not provide ready-made solution, shaking the brain and makes our mind more pliable. And if the solutions obtained in fantastic conditions, be able to "down to earth" to your real problem - bingo, you're on the right track!

10. Reduce the degree of perfectionism

perfectionism more dangerous trapThan faithful assistant. If you aspire to excellence, and are afraid to get the imperfect result, you never start - the fear stops you thinking and shackles. We begin to be afraid of absurd ideas, throwing everything not verified experience and risk of being imperfect.

Moreover, perfectionists spend more time on the job instead of just making good person rechecks the job done again and again. It is unlikely that you will achieve a better result: sometimes you just need to catch the idea, let themselves and their doubts.