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The Key To Creativity
Created By: Herman, Marie On Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:08 PM
People ask me often how I can come up with so many ideas for IAAP (and other things as well). The answer is surprisingly simple. I usually do it by sitting down somewhere (i.e. often when I am waiting like in a really boring class-hopefully not one I am teaching-or on an airplane or in a waiting room) when I have some time and pulling out a pen/pencil and a pad of paper.

I usually ask myself a question. For example, one time it was, "Hmmm... what would be some good ideas for an article to publish?" Another time it was "What would be some good program topics that we haven't done already?" Yet another time, it was "What would be some good personal goals to set for myself this year?" and "What are the projects I need to do around the house?". More recently I have been brainstorming ideas for new career paths for myself that will challenge me more than the administrative path currently does.

Then I start writing. For the most part, I don't squash the stupid ideas, though I will admit to putting stars next to ideas that I really like and want to be sure to follow up on. If there is an idea that I think has particular merit, I will often break it out onto its own page and write up a list of pros and cons related to it, as well as questions like "What would it take to make this happen? How much time will it take? What do I need to do to get started? "Who can help me with this?"

Now granted, sometimes I do this on computer, but truthfully, when it comes to brainstorming, for some reason I feel like I get more ideas with a paper and pen than I do the keyboard. I can write full paragraphs out beautifully on the computer, but brainstorming is just a different animal. It's easier for me to draw arrows, add stars, etc. on a piece of paper - perhaps that is why it appeals a little more to me.

If I ever have more than 15 minutes of waiting time, I can just about guarantee, I'll be whipping out a pad of paper to get started. Then I just type the notes up later. The great thing about doing this? Time passes so quickly that I don't care if I am kept waiting for a long period of time, because I am being productive.

It's amazing how much creativity can flow from the simplest of devices. Sit down at a table with no distractions for 10-30 minutes with a pad of paper & a pen and who knows what brilliance you would create???
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