Work In Colour - Work. Think. Live. In Colour
Tuesday 20th September 2011 | 12 comments
Next time you have a problem to solve, or a looking for a good idea, challenge yourself to list 100 possible solutions, or 100 ideas, or 100 approaches you could take, or 100 questions you could ask, or 100 actions you could try.
Yes, 100. All in one sitting, too.
There are a number of versions of this, including in Michael Gelb's How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci. It's based on the creative thinking principle that the way to have good ideas is to have lots of ideas.
It works because at first you write the obvious, then the connected and logical - and then, the fresh and original.
Just don't stop until you have the full 100 in your list, and don't worry about being sensible. All ideas are good ideas here. Often the maddest, silliest idea is the seed for the most brilliant solution.
Try this:
Do at least one 100 list a week, for the next month. If you're stuck for topics, try
What are some other 100's we could list?
Tag: tips
Hi Joanna
Have you read "How to Think Like LdV"? Saw it on a reading list and was tempted to add it to mine.
100 ways to improve your health
100 ways to add value to your customers
100 ways to show gratitude
Cheers
Thanks Suzy. Yes, I have read it, I liked it. Can even lend it to you...
Hi Joanna, I was fortunate to view Leonardo da Vinci works as child while living in Europe. He's been
unknown inspiration most of my life, the idea of beauty, balance and simplicity.
Will see if I can get the book and be further inspired
Cheers Veronica
Veronica, thanks for your comments - and lucky you to have had access to his works...
100 ideas in one go? Sounds like a challenge!
I love the concept of brainstorming (i.e. accept all ideas without judgement) and encouraging creativity so a list of 100 sounds great. Every week for a month - I'll give it a go :)
Tash, thanks. And good luck with your lists!
Great article again. Thank you Joanna.
What about... 100 things you DON'T want. Then that will tell you what it is you DO want - the opposite.
Brainstorming is one of my favourite things to do.
Pamela, great idea. I'm going to do that one myself. (But will I be able to stop at 100?)
Well worth the effort, I'm thinking. I have a couple of major hurdles that are going to require some creative solutions in the very near future. Great to be given the freedom to list a whole lot of sane, partially sane and then insane ideas as a legitimate way of coming to a solution. Suits my procrastinating brain and will hopefully lead to answers.
I like the idea of 'freedom to list', maybe it should be added to a UN Charter :) Thanks Phillip.
I like the acknowledgement of obvious, connected, logical, then fresh and original.
For me, that frees up the thinking that it's okay to sit and pull out 100!
Thanks Sally, enjoy your listmaking. Clearly from all these comments, it's looking like a freeing technique all round!