How Did They Come Up With That?
Many of us often wonder how creators come up with unique stories that captivate us—whether it's a movie, TV show, or a book we can't put down. It might feel like there are no original ideas left, yet we still encounter fresh narratives that engage us. So, how do these creators manage to produce such original content? Are they inherently more talented than you?
The truth is, successful storytellers are not smarter; they simply employ techniques and tools to generate ideas that anyone can access. Here are some effective strategies to help you become an idea machine.
1. Write 10 Ideas a Day
This method, popularized by author and podcaster James Altucher, involves writing down ten new ideas daily. While it sounds simple, you may find it increasingly challenging as you do it consistently. This difficulty is part of the process—you're training your brain's "idea muscles." By pushing through the discomfort, you'll find it easier to generate ideas over time.
If ten feels too restrictive, aim for twenty. The goal isn't to come up with ten good ideas but simply to produce ideas. Remember, good ideas often emerge from a pool of bad ones. Allowing your brain to explore freely is key to uncovering those gems.
2. Freewriting
Freewriting is another powerful technique to generate ideas quickly. Open a document and start writing without worrying about quality or coherence. This practice allows you to bypass self-censorship, enabling your brain to dig through the clutter and eventually discover good ideas.
You can approach freewriting in two ways:
List Method: Challenge yourself to write 100 ideas in one sitting. Focus on a specific topic if needed, but don’t stop until you hit 100. Most will likely be bad, but hidden among them are a few worth exploring.
Timed Method: Set a timer for 10, 20, or 30 minutes and write continuously. The key is not to stop or edit—just let the ideas flow. This will help you push past the bad ideas and uncover the good ones buried deep in your mind.
3. Be More Observant
Training yourself to be observant can significantly boost your idea generation. This principle is based on psychology: when you focus on something specific, your brain becomes more attuned to it. For example, if you go for a drive looking for black cars, you'll suddenly notice them everywhere.
Apply this same focus to your writing. If you're brainstorming for a murder mystery, go out and observe your surroundings specifically looking for creative ways a victim might die. By doing so, you’ll start to notice ideas that were always there but went unnoticed.
Conclusion
Ideas are abundant, waiting to be discovered both in the world around you and within your own mind. You don't have to create them out of thin air; all you need to do is observe. Once you shift your mindset to actively seek ideas, you'll find yourself overflowing with inspiration, leaving writer's block in the dust.
