How to spark new ideas

It’s not magic (despite common belief).

“My best ideas never come from staring at a blank page."

I can’t remember who said that quote but it’s exactly how I feel.

I wish I could just flip a switch and brilliance pours out of me.

But the truth is, that almost never happens.

You probably feel the same way. Getting started is the hardest part when creating content.

If you want to consistently create new ideas, you need a creative process you can rely on.

That means becoming aware of what gets you in the zone (or "flow" state).

I’ve learned that my best writing comes from movement.

Try these out next time you need a new idea or motivation to create content:

1. Take a walk

By putting your body on autopilot, you give your brain room to run free and explore.

It starts combing over information, making connections, and new ideas will spark as a result. I prefer no headphones to reduce distractions, but some people also benefit from focus music.

Even just 20 minutes a day will make a major impact on your focus and creativity.

2. Short, intense exercise

This is where I find my spark. A two mile run, 20 minutes on the Peloton – anything that gets me out of breath and sweating is GOLD.

There’s research that discovered exercise makes us more likely to share information. Part of that is because exercising releases endorphins, and endorphins make us happy. And being happy is how I like to write.

3. Conversations

In order to create an output, you need an input. Spark new ideas by having conversations with other people who are in your industry or share your expertise.  

Listening to other peoples’ challenges and how they’re solving them will provide a new perspective for you. You might hear something that inspires you or causes you to think critically – both are fantastic sources of new ideas.

This is what works for me, but at the end of the day, you’ll find what works best for you. Maybe you’re sharp in the morning, or maybe you’re a night owl and prefer to write then.

Be mindful of what works and what doesn’t and refine your creation process around it.

(I used #1 one to write this post).

Give these a try this week and see what creativity strikes.

Holler at you next week,
Devin