It’s always raining. Whether we realize it or not, it’s always raining. The question is, will you be quick to put on your raincoat and goulashes before grabbing an umbrella? Or will you run outside barefoot letting the water gush through your toes while splashing in a puddle and dancing around? Will you let the rain drench your clothes and seep into every pore of your body? I prefer the latter.
In case you haven’t already guessed it, I’m speaking metaphorically here. The rain I’m talking about is our ideas, our dreams and our visions. Oftentimes, we’re so busy living our day to day lives we forget to take time to enjoy the rain. And when we do realize it’s raining, we treat it like a nuisance rather than a gift.
I’m convinced most of us don’t suffer from lack of creativity. In actuality, we suffer from lack of creative brainstorming. What exactly is the process of creative brainstorming? It’s taking the time to open your mind to what could be rather than just accepting what already is. Creative brainstorming requires intentionality and attentiveness.
We must be intentional about seizing and cultivating the ideas, dreams and visions bestowed upon us. They are gifts entrusted to us for the inspiration and advancement of humanity. The world is waiting on us to start dancing in the rain.
Here are some steps we can take to better recognize and embrace the rain.
- Find a Change of Venue
I love a good getaway. I don’t have to go far. By now, I’ve even learned how to pull off a successful staycation. The key to any getaway, whether near or far, is making sure you experience a change of venue. It’s important to try something different and/or go somewhere out of the norm. This sparks creativity and allows us to see life from a new perspective.
- Join Forces
Creative Brainstorming becomes exponentially more effective when it includes more than one person. I encourage you to find a few people that you trust enough to partner with. As one person shares, it will trigger others to share as well and create a synergy of thought.
- Define Your Topic
It’s important to be clear on and in agreement regarding your area of focus. Below are some questions to consider:
-Which industry are you looking to impact? (i.e. Business, Education, Arts & Entertainment, etc.)
-Who are you trying to help? (i.e. Moms, Entrepreneurs, Students, Artists, etc.)
-What problem are you trying to solve? (i.e. Illiteracy, Depression/Anxiety, Unemployment, Global Warming, etc.)
- Write it Out
I can’t tell you how essential it is that we document our thoughts. We need to get in the habit of writing down whatever comes to mind. Some prefer journaling. Others enjoy using notecards or post it notes. And of course there’s always a phone, laptop or an iPad. It doesn’t matter where or how we document our thoughts. What matters most is that we document them. You never know when you will want or need to revisit them.
- There are No Bad Ideas
Now is not the time to self-edit. Nothing has to be logical or make sense. It just has to come from a genuine place of good intent. Focus on gathering as many ideas, dreams and visions as you can. If it’s meant to be, the “How” will come soon enough.
- Go Big or Go Home
No idea, dream or vision is worth having if it isn’t a big one…One that seems unattainable. Don’t sell yourself short during the creative brainstorming process. Nothing should be off limits. Big ideas, dreams and visions make the payoff that much sweeter when they become a reality!
- Repeat Often
The creative brainstorming process should be ongoing. Since it can be applied to every aspect of life, you can never have too many ideas, dreams or visions. The more often you engage in creative brainstorming, the more comfortable you become with having uninhibited thinking.
For more information on the process of creative brainstorming, visit creativaire.com. Happy Ideation!!!
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