How to maintain the flow of new ideas: tips Isaac Asimov

If Isaac Asimov to describe in one word, it would be the word "fruitful". He wrote more than 500 books - fiction and non-fiction. On how he managed to generate so many good ideas, Azimov said in one of his books.

Of Isaac Asimov's autobiography, "It was a good life» (It's Been a Good Life) can be useful lessons. Azimov did not immediately began to write for eight hours a day, seven days a week. Just like us, he tore out the page, angry and started all over again. In his autobiography author shared tactics, which he developed to the idea never came to an end.

1. Do not stop learning

Asimov was not just a science fiction writer. He had a doctorate in chemistry from Columbia University. He wrote about physics, ancient history, and even the Bible.

Unlike many of today's "professionals", Azimov has not ceased to study with a diploma.

I probably would not be able to write so many books based on some school knowledge. I had to continue self-education. My library of books to which I applied, was growing, and I pored over them, as was always afraid that I misunderstand something ridiculously easy-to-versed in the subject.

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Isaac Asimov

To generate good ideas, we need to consume a good idea. Diploma - this is not the end of the training, but only the beginning.

Azimov read everything.

All of this is incredibly diverse reading has left its indelible mark. My interests ranged in twenty different directions, and all these interests were. I wrote a book about the mythology, the Bible, Shakespeare, history, science, and so on.

Isaac Asimov

Read more, follow your curiosity. Never stop investing in themselves.

2. Do not struggle with stagnation

Like all of us, Azimov often stuck.

Often, when I was working on a sci-fi story, I heartily tired of it and was unable to write at least one more word.

Isaac Asimov

Stop - this is normal. What happens next, our reaction to it - that's what separates the professional from the amateur.

Azimov did not allow himself to stop. Over the years he has developed a strategy.

I'm not staring at blank sheets of paper. I do not spend days and nights trying to get the idea out of my head. Instead, I'll just leave the story and move on to one of the dozens of works that are on the agenda. I write a column in the paper, essay, short story, or working on one of my nonfiction books. When I get tired of it, my brain is able to do the job correctly and filled again. I return to my story and write it with ease.

Isaac Asimov

The brain - an enigma. When we stand back and doing other projects and deliberately ignoring something, our subconscious creates a space for the growth of ideas.

3. beware of resistance

Anyone who creates something, knows the fear of registration of their ideas. Bringing once something to the world, we are always open for this denial and criticism.

Such fear is extremely dangerous for creativity. We call it resistance. Asimov is a sense, too, it was familiar.

Neutral writer prone to uncertainty. It does the meaning of the proposal, which he had just written? Whether it is expressed in the idea as well as it could? It would sound better if it had been written differently? Neutral writer so it's always something changes, cuts, trying to use different ways of expressing themselves, and as far as I know, never completely satisfied.

Isaac Asimov

Self-doubt - it's a killer of our mind. Fear of rejection makes us perfectionists. but this perfectionism - a shell. We climb into his difficult times for us, it gives us a sense of security, but it is self-deception.

Each of us has an idea. The difference between Asimov and others in that we reject their ideas before we give them a chance. In the end, only the lack of ideas gives a guarantee that they will never fail.

4. Lower your standards

Asimov was against following the ideal. According to him, try to get it right on the first try - a big mistake. Instead, it costs to start to identify the main.

Think of yourself as an artist, sketching, to decide what should be the composition, color and everything else. By doing this, you can think about the final version.

Isaac Asimov

In other words, do not try to paint the Mona Lisa in one sitting. Lower standards. Make a test product, a temporary sketch or draft.

At the same time, Azimov noted confidence.

A writer can not just sit and doubt about the quality of his creations. Rather, he must love the writing. I like.

Isaac Asimov

Believe in your creation. This does not mean that you have to do is perfect or not do at all. This confidence - an extension of the borders, a terrible failure and the ability to rise again. Yes, we fall down and suffer. That is why we are successful.

5. do more

It is interesting that Azimov also recommended to do more things as a cure for perfectionism.

By the time the book was published, the writer did not have time for the excitement of how it will be accepted or it will be sold. By this time he had already sold some other books and is working on new, it is all that concerned about it. It brings peace and tranquility in his life.

Isaac Asimov

If you have a new product coming out in a few weeks, you do not have time to dwell on failure. If something failed, you do not hurt so much. Diversification - an insurance of mind.

6. Remember the secret ingredient

Aspiring writer, Asimov's friend, asked him where he took his ideas. Azimov said: "Thinking, and thinking, and thinking as long as I'm not ready to kill himself. [...] Do you think that is easy to get a good idea? ".

Many spent the night Isaac alone with his mind.

I could not sleep last night, so lay thinking about the article, which is to write, and thought and thought, and cried in a sad place. My night was great.

Isaac Asimov

No one ever said that to come up with good ideas just. If this were so, they would lose all meaning.