This is number two of the five most common questions I get asked.

 

Although not comprehensive, I think 90% of my ideas stem from this list.

 

Reading. I read a lot. I read everything from personal development, to fiction, memoirs and I particularly enjoy reading the books which have been written by members of my Write That Book Masterclass [little plug for them].

 

Questioning. If you've met me, you'll know that I am a great questioner. I want to know everything. Yes, I am interested in you, but I'm most interested in what makes you, you.

 

History. All the best ideas have probably been thought of by somebody else. This is good news as they're just looking to be reinvented… by you. Great plots can be reworked, business ideas can be modernised, characters reborn; just don’t pinch memoirs!

 

Notepad. Or should I say notepads. I take notes everywhere; with my phone, in my journal, on my ReMarkable… I also take a little time at the end of each day to consolidate those notes, to make them easier to search later.

 

Bad Ideas. I have loads of bad ideas. Often, to get to the good stuff, you must go through a lot of bad stuff. I'm an expert at thinking of bad ideas. In fact, I've removed a whole bunch of bad ideas from this email. Just think what it could have been like!

 

Clear Mind. I'll often close my eyes, take 5 deep breaths and just see what happens. It isn't meditation, it’s just allowing my brain to hop around and see where it ends up.

This is not a guaranteed way to think of good ideas. Sometimes I end up having a snooze instead.

 

Distractions. I've had some of my best ideas whilst building Lego models or completing jigsaw puzzles.  The fact you can let your brain wander and take on a different type of task is a wonderful way to stimulate your idea centre.

 

Generators. I enjoy using idea generators like Roger von Oech’s Creative Whack Pack. It’s brilliant and it’s now an app too.

If you can find the original card pack, it’s wonderful to be able to open up, pick a card and start the idea generation process.

 

External. I look outside of my sector. The temptation to only connect with what you know is ever-present. I really enjoy the idea of looking outside of my normal world.

I don't take a daily newspaper, but on occasion, I'll buy The Sunday Times then force myself to read some sections I normally wouldn’t be interested in.

 

Where do you get your ideas from? I’d love to know.

 

Write That Book!