How to Have New Ideas A Short Course by Steve Gillman

How to Have New Ideas
A Short Course by Steve Gillman
Brought To You By
http://www.IncreaseBrainpower.com
And
http://www.999Ideas.com
Legal Notice
This material is protected under International and Federal Copyright laws
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Copyright 2008, 2009, 2010 by Steve Gillman
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Table of Contents
3 - Introduction
4 - Lesson One - Creative Concept Combining
7 - Lesson Two - New Applications
10 - Lesson Three - Using an Idea-Generating Word List
15 - Lesson Four - Creativity and Innovation
19 - Lesson Five - Creating New Products Based On True Needs
22 - Lesson Six - Brainstorming
27 - Lesson Seven - Concentration and Brainpower
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Introduction
Not sure that you can come up with dozens of ideas by tomorrow?
Do you think it is difficult to invent things in your mind?
Do you believe creativity can't be taught?
Do you also think that book introductions are long and boring?
Well, you're about to change your mind.
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Lesson One
Creative Concept Combining
In this first lesson, we are going to jump right in with one of the best
techniques for creating new ideas: creative concept combination. Just start
combining ideas and things, and voila, you're having fun - and maybe
creating something new. Let's get to the examples.
Concept Combination for Fun and Profit
"Tattoo" plus "advertising" might lead to the first large tattoo placement
advertising campaign. Want a monthly stipend for having a Coke logo on
your forehead? For a ton of new business ideas, just combine the concept of
"home delivery" with almost anything. Parties, tax preparers, rental
swimming pools? Would people pay to have these things delivered?
As with any idea-generating technique, you need to be careful not to stifle
your creativity. Allow ideas to come without judging them. Critical analysis
is for later. Also remember that these techniques are tools, not rules. If your
mind goes off on a creative tangent - just let it.
Randomly combining things is a great mental exercise when you're driving
or daydreaming. A boat and a bicycle becomes a water-ski-bike that glides
across the water using pedal-power. Combining stock-trading and
McDonalds has you imagining the selling of stocks and bonds at drive
through windows.
For more specific areas of interest, look for things to combine with what
you already have. If your taxi business is struggling, combining "taxi" and
"pets" might lead to a successful arrangement with a kennel, to pick up and
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deliver their client's cats and dogs. "Famous people," might give you the
idea to run some sort of tour of the town, like they do in Hollywood.
For maximum creativity in your innovation, look far and wide for concepts
to combine. "Meditation" and "amusement parks" seem too unrelated to
yield interesting combinations, but I'll bet people at a carnival would pay to
be put into a meditative trance using the latest brain wave entrainment
technologies.
Limitless New Creative Concepts
This technique is great for new product ideas, inventions and business ideas,
but it isn't limited to those areas. In fact, some of the most creative new
ideas come from combining concepts from radically different areas. Need
examples?
Church/Shopping Mall. Hmm... Four churches within one building.
Christians, Muslims, Jews and Buddhists all sharing common space after
there respective services and ceremonies. It might encourage tolerance, and
even be inviting to those who want to "test" the various faiths.
Jail/Mountains. Maybe use prison labor to maintain the trails in National
Parks?
Swimming/Alarm. Alarms for swimming pools? It sounds if a child falls in,
and is otherwise easily turned off for regular use.
Poetry/Economics. Hmm...
Okay, I stared at the screen for five minutes, and nothing came to mind. That
will happen, and when it does, you can just skip it. However, if you persist
in looking for a new idea in the combining of two concepts, you'll find one.
That is how this process works.
Your subconscious mind is powerful. Put two concepts together, assume
there is a connection that will lead to a new idea, and your subconscious
will find it.
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Idea Exercise
Write a list of a dozen things and start combining them into new creative
concepts.
1. __________________________
2. __________________________
3. __________________________
4. __________________________
5. __________________________
6. __________________________
7. __________________________
8. __________________________
9. __________________________
10. _________________________
11. _________________________
12. _________________________
Combine the above concepts or things in any way, but just two at a time for
now. That still gives you 188 possible combinations, which could generate
hundreds of new ideas.
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Lesson Two
New Applications
The whole lesson in short: Find new applications for existing ideas. Now
the details.
I just saw a new local business advertised on TV, a company that uses a dog
to find mold in your house. Dogs can be trained to sniff out almost anything.
It reminded me of the news story a year ago, about a dog that could detect if
you had cancer.
My first thought was, "I wonder what else they could be used to find?" This
is a super technique for generating new ideas. Just find new applications for
existing ideas and inventions.
By the way, one idea that came to mind was to use dogs to find other pets.
They find humans so well, so why not a service to find lost pets? One sniff
of the cat's favorite rug, and the dog is on the trail.
Finding New Applications
This is another technique, which like concept-combination, can be used in
all areas to create an endless supply of new ideas. Start with the essence of
the idea, and look for new applications. Then look at any other factors that
could be applied in new ways.
For example, let's start with the pneumatic tubes that deliver your money
and papers at bank drive-through windows. The essence is a cartridge that
delivers things through a tube using air pressure. Could the same thing work
for human transport? Ride "the tube" to the next city? Maybe as an
amusement park ride?
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Another aspect of the tubes is that they allow several customers to be waited
on at once. Fast food needs that at the drive through. The tubes themselves
would spill drinks, but the idea of multiple lines can be used. Several drivethrough windows, radiating out like spokes, at different angles, would allow
three different lines of cars.
Beyond Business
In demonstrating all of these techniques, it is easy to get stuck on the
invention and business applications. These are just the easiest areas to come
up with new ideas in. That doesn't mean they don't work well in other areas
though.
I saw a story about socially withdrawn preschool children. Psychologist
Robert O'Connor made a short video with 11 scenes. Each showed a solitary
child watching other children participate in an activity. In each, the child
joined the group, and everyone was happy.
When he showed the film to severely withdrawn children at various
preschools, the children immediately began to be sociable with the other
children. Their new behavior persisted weeks later, though they saw the film
just once. Withdrawn children who didn't see the film were as withdrawn as
ever.
Amazing research. You can probably imagine applications for these
"coaching films." I'm imagining films in which criminals turn their lives
around, to be shown in prisons. If young athletes were shown films in which
it was normal to run four-minute miles or to do what is normally not
considered possible, would their times and performances improve? I
wonder.
Idea Exercises
Here are some easy exercises for you, to help you develop the habit of using
this technique.
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1. Think of two new uses for magnets.
____________________________________________________
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2. You pedal a bicycle to make it go. Think of three new uses for pedalpower.
____________________________________________________
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3. If you are familiar with Darwin's theory of natural selection, find a new
application for the concept, but outside of biology.
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
4. We exercise our bodies, and we exercise our brains. What else can you
apply the concept of exercise to?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Hopefully you're seeing how easy it can be to come up with new ideas. In
the next lesson I'll show you a very systematic method, using a modifying
word list.
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Lesson Three
Using an Idea-Generating Word List
Using a word list is one of the easiest ways to create new ideas.
Several times now I have seen giant chairs. The most recent one was in a
bar, being used by the host of a trivia contest. It was eight feet tall. Someone
made and sold that chair, but how did he think of the idea? The simplest
way would be to look at things and ask "what if it was bigger?"
That is the essence of the modifying word list. You look at things and ask,
"What if it was..." and insert a word from the list. To show the technique in
action, I just looked around the room and chose a table as a test subject. I
look at the word list and ask "What if it was..."
Bigger... If it had leaves that spread from a central pivot, it could be opened
up easily into a larger surface, like a hand fan opened horizontally.
Movable... The obvious idea here is to put wheels on it. Another possibility
is a line of super light tables that can be carried from room to room easily.
Cheaper... I once used an old door as a table. Are there cheap and available
materials that could be used to make doors?
Interesting... Make tables that are covered in family photos (or anything else
you want). The top would then be encased in acrylic. Easy to clean too!
Divided... Four small tables that can be used on their own or connected into
one large table?
Subtracted from... Take away the legs and it would be easier to clean under.
Could it hang from the ceiling?
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Hotter... A warming tray built into the center of the table might be
convenient for keeping meals hot.
Happier... Use colors that evoke positive emotions. Make cartoon-covered
tables for day-care centers.
Take notes as you do this, and develop or discard the ideas later. Most words
won't give you useful ideas, but don't dismiss them without a few seconds of
thought. Creative solutions can begin with unrelated thoughts. "What if it
was boring?" may seem useless, but then it could lead to the development of
a line of furniture based purely on function: simple and cheap.
The Modifying Word List
The list below is a basic one. Use it as is, but remember that there are
hundreds of idea-generating words you could add to it. Any adjectives,
descriptive phrases, or words that can change your perspective can be
potentially useful.
What if it was...
larger
smaller
farther away
closer
sooner
later
easier
more difficult
softer
harder
poorer
richer
wetter
drier
higher
lower
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longer
shorter
white
black
certain
uncertain
newer
older
calmer
more exciting
boring
interesting
more casual
more serious
divided
combined
subtle
extravagant
more common
less common
faster
slower
better
worse
hotter
colder
added to
subtracted from
left alone
hopeless
stickier
happier
relaxed
imaginary
cheaper
more expensive
nothing
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More Fun
There is another way to use a modifying-word list. This may be even more
fun. Start with the word instead of the thing or idea. Then apply the
modifying word to everything you can think of.
For example, if you start with the word "easier," you just look around at
things and ask, "What if it was easier?"
Lights... It would be easier to turn them on in the dark if they were voiceactivated.
Plants... Sell a line of plants that are almost impossible to kill, for those of
us that can't seem to keep house plants alive.
Democracy... Maybe that company that makes the "For Dummies" books
should add "Democracy for Dummies" to their line. Perhaps secure online
voting would make it easier than going to the polls.
Brainpower... Three deep breaths always works for me. I bet it would work
better if I had a small oxygen dispenser.
Idea Exercises
For each of the following things and concepts, apply the "what if it was"
question using the words from the list above. Write down at least a couple
new ideas for each.
A Car
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
War
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
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Your Job
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Part Two
Pick a word from the list and apply it to the following concepts and things.
Jot down at least one idea for each. Use whichever idea-generating words
you prefer.
What if a plane was ___________?
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
What if education was ___________?
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
What if the speed of light was ___________?
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
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Lesson Four
Creativity and Innovation
More creativity helps the process of innovation - so develop your creativity.
We've covered three techniques for generating new ideas so far. Hopefully
you had some fun and found them useful. It can also help to develop your
natural creativity. That is what this lesson is about. How do you become
more creative? Here is a two-step plan:
1. Encourage it.
2. Train your brain.
Work on these right now, and you'll be more creative today.
Encouraging Creativity
Encouraging creativity will make you more creative. No big surprise there.
This principle is true for many things you might want to see more of in your
life. Encouragement works, but how do you encourage creativity?
Start by paying attention to it. The subconscious mind tends to give you
more of what you pay attention to. If you ignore the creative aspects of your
life, you're telling your subconscious mind they're unimportant. Consciously
note when you're creative, and look for opportunities to be creative and your
subconscious mind will start feeding you more creative ideas.
Writing down your ideas is another good way to encourage and increase
creativity. Keep an "idea journal." Do this regularly, and you'll start having
more ideas while you are writing. Small ideas may normally be forgotten,
but by writing them down, your subconscious may work on them, and
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transform them into something very creative.
Encourage greater creativity in yourself by putting creative ideas into
practice. If you paint or write, for example, try anything new, just because
it's new. Even driving a different route to work to see if it is quicker can
help. The point is to get you mind working outside of its regular patterns.
Change your surroundings to encourage creativity. Want more creativity in
your love life? Hike up a mountain with your partner. Need story ideas? Sit
on a roof to write. For new ideas for your business, take a notebook to the
park and sit by the duck pond. Any change of environment can get your
brain out of its ruts.
Training Your Mind for Creativity
Entrepreneurs see potential profit in a situation, because their minds are
trained for that. Lawyers see potential problems, because that's how their
minds are trained. Watch any good comedian and you'll notice that she has
trained her mind to look for the "different angle" on everyday things.
The ways in which you repeatedly think become habit, and that's how you
train your mind. If you learn the techniques of creative thinking, use them
until they are a habit, then creative thinking will be as natural for you as
lying is for a politician. Start with these three habits:
1. Challenge assumptions.
What if restaurants didn't have employees? Visitors pay a machine as they
enter, feed themselves at a buffet, and everything is as automated as
possible, so one owner-operator could run a large restaurant alone.
Challenge all you assumptions for practice. Do you really have to go to
work? Do swimming pools need water? Can education be a bad thing?
2. Change your perspective.
A dog's thoughts about your busyness could clue you in to the unnecessary
things you do. Considering dollars-per-day instead of per-hour could give
you a plan to let employees go home when they finish a quota. Increased
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efficiency is likely, and you could adjust daily pay and quotas so both you
and employees made more money. See everything from several perspectives.
3. Let ideas run wild.
Does flying furniture seem silly? It could lead to the concept of a hoverlifter. Just slide the device under furniture and it lifts it with a cushion of air,
making for easy moving. Try not to stifle your creativity. Just relax, let ideas
come, and know that you can always discard them later.
For these thought-patterns to be automatic, you need to use them regularly.
It takes several weeks to develop a habit, so write a few of your favorite
techniques on a card and carry it with you. Look it over throughout the day
and apply the techniques to anything. A little work up front, and soon you'll
have almost effortless creativity.
Ideas Exercise
Think of any crazy idea right now. It should be something that would
embarrass you to say aloud, like, "What if I could go swimming with my
computer," or "How could I teach books to fly?" Then think about it for a
few minutes and write down any ideas that come to mind.
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
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Work with one of your ideas until it becomes something plausible. For
example, swimming with a computer may seem silly. Giving it some
thought, though, could lead to the idea of a small waterproof computer that
instructs a swimmer how to adjust breathing and motions for greater
efficiency. It might be a useful product.
The idea here is to prove to yourself that "silly" ideas can lead to better and
even useful ideas. It also just gets you thinking in new ways. This kind of
practice will help overcome any tendency you might have to discount your
creative ability.
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Lesson Five
Creating New Products Based On True Needs
Identifying true needs is a great route to new product ideas.
Have you ever been frustrated with the assembly instructions for something
you bought? Or annoyed with the design of something? Good news! Every
frustration can be the source of new ideas. A service that creates clear
assembly and instruction manuals might make good money, for example.
Hey, it's fun to dream up a hundred new ideas. It's even good exercise for
the brain. Sometimes, though, that's all you get. It may be fun to imagine an
inflatable helium chair that lets you float above your home, but can you sell
it?
Starting With True Needs and Desires
Starting with common and easy-to-understand problems is the surest way to
have not just new, but useful ideas. If you and six of your friends all have a
similar complaint about something, there is a true need for a new idea there.
If you run into the same frustration several times, it's time for a solution,
right?
For good ideas that solve real problems, look at what annoys you, frustrates
you, gets in your way, or is difficult. Ask other people what issues they have
too. If half of your older friends complain about stairs in their houses, it's
time for a single floor housing development.
I like to demonstrate these techniques with real examples. I also like to do it
as I write, so I can be sure that it works as easily as I say. In this case, I'm
going to think of several annoyances or "issues" I've had in the last few
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days, and use them to come up with new ideas.
Okay, it took me three minutes to come up with the following annoyances.
I'll spend a minute or two on each, to see what ideas they stimulate.
Problem: Delicate clothes... I want to throw everything in the washer, and
then in the dryer. I dislike digging through to see what can't be washed in
hot water, and what can't be put in the dryer. Hmm... If there was a store,
let's call it "The Simple Life Store," that sold only clothes that could handle
any type of washing and drying, I'd shop there.
Problem: Forgetting to use what I know...
I know how to reduce stress, but I forget to use the techniques. I even forget
to use the memory techniques I know! Hmm... Would people pay for a twice
weekly call from a "life coach?" You explain beforehand what your goals
are, and they call to see if you are on track, to remind you, and encourage
you. Fifteen minutes, $30?
Problem: Uncertain car costs...
There are a few things that may be going wrong with my car. The main
stress, though, is from the uncertainty. No problem for months, and then
$600 in brake work out of the blue. Arrrgh! Maybe a mechanic could have a
set fee-per-mile for any and all maintenance and repair. Once you sign the
contract, you know what your cost will be.
Problem: Lack of space...
We used to have a fairly small apartment years ago. Somebody could market
a line of furniture that doubles as storage space. Couches, chairs - even
tables might be designed to provide interior storage space, and still be
attractive. A table than folds up into the wall when we're done eating might
be nice too.
Of course, once you identify the problems to be solved, you can combine
any of the various problem solving techniques to generate ideas for new
products or services. You can also use them one by one, to get as many
different ideas as you can. "Assumption challenging" will definitely give
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you different ideas than the "add-subtract-change" technique.
Ideas Exercise
Write down several things that annoy you or cause problems for you. Then
think of a couple possible solutions for these. Even better, think of solutions
that can be used by others who face the same issues.
Problem or annoyance: _______________________________________
Possible solutions/ideas: ______________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Problem or annoyance: _______________________________________
Possible solutions/ideas: ______________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Problem or annoyance: _______________________________________
Possible solutions/ideas: ______________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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Lesson Six
Brainstorming
So far the lessons have been on ways to create ideas on your own. For this
lesson, I am reprinting a short article I wrote on brainstorming with others.
It is from my web site, www.IncreaseBrainPower.com.
The Key to Good Brainstorming
Have you been in a "brainstorming" session where each person just
defended their own ideas? Worse is when people don't suggest ideas at all,
for fear they'll be attacked. That's no way to brainstorm. Brainstorming is
using the power of many minds, and ideas should flow freely and trigger
other ideas. How do you make that happen?
You have to have a good leader to have good brainstorming. The leader isn't
there to impose his will, though, but to stop the imposition of anyone's will.
His role is to stop criticisms, arguments, and even strong opinions, at least
in the first part of the session.
A brainstorming session needs to be spontaneous, open and uncritical.
"Bad" or "silly" ideas can lead to helpful ones, so suggestions have to be left
un-judged at first. To brainstorm effectively, you can't stifle the creative
process. The leader's job, then, is to make everyone feel free to suggest any
ideas.
An Example of Good Brainstorming
The scenario: your business needs to cut delivery costs. The group throws
out ideas and thoughts. "Let's not deliver," someone suggests, and when
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another starts to criticize, you remind him of the rules. "Negotiate lower
rates," somebody says, "Or just find a company with lower rates," another
adds. Ideas like reducing package weight and charging customers more are
suggested, and lead to other ideas.
You keep it civil, take notes, and eventually call a halt to this free-for-all
part of the session. Now it's time to evaluate and develop the ideas for
whatever usefulness they may have.
To keep the creativity flowing in this stage, have participants defend or
develop ideas that are not their own. This brings new insight to the idea, and
prevents the problem of ego-identification that causes people to get "stuck
in a rut" with their own ideas.
For example, ask the man who was critical of the idea of not delivering to
work with that idea. "We have to deliver," he might start with. Then he
thinks for a second and says, "I suppose we could deliver to central
distribution points instead of to the individual customer. The customer could
drive a short distance to pick up their order. That might save us on
shipping."
Someone else suggests that the customers may like the arrangement. They
would be able to return the product immediately if they were dissatisfied,
with no need to pack and ship it. You assign a couple people to look into it,
and move on to the other ideas.
Good leadership keeps the whole process working. In the last example,
you've even used a "bad" idea to come to a possible solution. That's good
brainstorming.
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Lesson Seven
Concentration and Brainpower
Improving concentration and otherwise preparing for an idea-generating
session is always a good idea. That's what this lesson is about
Better Concentration
When you work on something, concentration is automatic, until you're
distracted. The distractions are often your own constant thoughts. With
nothing interfering, you have more complete concentration, so here's a
method to remove distractions, to control your wandering mind.
Are you expecting something bad to happen? Is an argument going on just
below the surface of your consciousness? Are you worried about something,
or in pain? Find everything you can. This self-observation is crucial, and it
will get easier as you do it more. You'll start to see how many things are
going on in your own head, distracting you.
Deal with these mind-irritants. Make a phone call that's on your mind, take
an aspirin, and apologize to whomever you were fighting with. Write things
on tomorrow's to-do list, to get them off your mind. If there's nothing you
can do right now, tell yourself that.
Do this exercise a few times, and you'll find it becomes easier to recognize
what is just below the surface, irritating you and sapping your power of
concentration. Set these mind irritations aside, and you will think more
clearly.
I have read that Stephen King writes with loud music on. What distracts
each of us, or doesn't, is obviously personal and somewhat unique. Do
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something about whatever it is that takes your mind away from the task at
hand. Turn off the TV, feed your empty stomach, or turn your desk away
from the window.
When you take care of the external and the internal distractions, you'll be
able to focus your attention and brain power like a spotlight. Watch a child
building a sand castle sometime, and you'll see that the power of
concentration really is natural.
Brain Power
Another thing that affects your ability to come up with new ideas is your
brainpower in general. There are some quick things you can do to boost this.
I won't get into the explanations of why these work here. Instead, here's a
short list of some things and techniques which have some evidence for them
and are easy to use.
Have a cup of coffee or tea.
Take three deep breaths.
Sit up straight.
Breath with your mouth closed.
Listen to music that inspires you.
Walk for ten minutes.
Take Ginkgo Biloba capsules.
Think three positive thoughts.
Talk about something you love for a few minutes, and then get to work on
the mental task before you. This one really wakes up the brain, and then you
may be able to effectively transfer the energy created to whatever you need
to focus on.
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Train Your Brain
All these techniques become more useful as they become habits. It takes a
few weeks to develop a habit, so try to use a technique regularly for almost
a month. Then notice what happens when you sit down and look at a
bicycle.
If you've trained your mind in "assumption challenging," you'll
automatically ask things like, "Are wheels necessary?" "Does it have to go
outside?" What if the "bike" was indoors and pedaling it ran a video screen?
You could "steer" through endless different scenes.
Time to put the lessons to work, and start creating those new ideas!
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Special Bonus for Purchasers of Guy Finley's Book
The e-book How to Have New Ideas has been available for some time as a
bonus for subscribing to the Brainpower Newsletter. But for this special
promotion of Guy Finley's book, I wanted to add a little extra. The
following is a short piece about the importance of self observation and self
awareness to one's ability to think creatively and powerfully.
The Intelligence of Self Observation
Why is self observation so important to the exercise of your intelligence and
creativity? Because much of what gets in the way of thinking effectively and
powerfully is not a lack of ability or brainpower, but the interference of ones
own reactive mind. Let's look at some examples.
John opens up a book about moral philosophy, and he is excited to read it.
But what has him excited is not exactly the prospect of discovering new
ideas. What he's really looking forward to is the confirmation of his own
beliefs, and the discovery of new arguments to defend them and push them
onto others.
This is common, of course. Many of us buy books that are based on ideas
we already agree with after all, don't we? Capitalists buy books about the
virtues of free markets, creationists buy books about the flaws in
evolutionary theory, and environmentalists buy books about the damage
we're causing to the planet. By itself, this tendency is not harmful, and
certainly not surprising. It limits our thinking, though, when we do not
recognize it in ourselves and therefore don't make allowance for the bias it
creates.
This isn't just about books, of course. In fact, we "buy" ideas all the time
from the intellectual environment around us. We "pay" for these ideas by
investing our time and thought and ego into them. But we don't see how
often we are only interested in those that fit our existing way of thinking.
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And because of that lack of awareness resulting from a lack of self
observation, we pass over facts and ideas that may lead to a better
understanding.
Seeing Our Own Biases
Suppose a man has a strong belief that "a person is responsible for his or her
actions." As a result of this and his accompanying philosophy, he not only
dismisses certain ideas, but finds them offensive. For example, when he
hears about a study showing that most criminals have a deficiency of copper
in their bodies, he is annoyed and assumes it is an attack on the idea of
personal responsibility. "They're just helping people excuse their bad
behavior," he says.
Now, if he's not in the habit of self observation, he won't notice that this isn't
reasoning, but a reaction. It may even seem perfectly clear to him that such
science is dangerous and ill-intentioned. On the other hand, what if he does
watch himself, and catches the reactive nature of his thinking? Then he can
question what he believes, or find a way to fit new facts into his thinking.
With this and other scientific information about physical and psychological
"causes" of behavior, he might come to a better understanding. He might
even decide that people generally aren't responsible for their actions, but
that they can be if they choose to be. Upon having this thought, he might
notice his reactive mind protesting, "But we have to hold them responsible
or people will all be criminals." This, he sees, is the fear that supports his
prior belief. Upon seeing that, he can think, "no, they just have to be locked
up if they are dangerous to others - that doesn't require a belief in absolute
personal guilt." Nor does anything in reality suggest that others will become
criminals if we don't call them "sinners."
That is one possibility. The other is that upon seeing that there are things
which encourage people to commit crimes, he still believes that people are
responsible for their actions, but now recognizes that context is not
irrelevant. We're all weaker at points in time after all, for all sorts of reasons,
and recognizing this isn't a denial of responsibility for our actions. Perhaps
correcting nutritional deficiencies, treating psychological problems and
providing a better environment for people will lead to many less of them
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choosing to do bad things.
In whatever ways he changes his thinking or broadens his understanding, it
happens because of self-observation. The resulting self-awareness lets him
see his biases and work past them. He has the potential for clearer thinking
and more creative perspectives.
This isn't just about philosophical examples like those given, either. Simple
pride about ones theory in biology, economics or family life can blind one to
better ideas if it is not recognized as a limiting force. Being afraid to admit
ignorance is another mind-killer. There all sorts of other things going on
inside us too. One's own unconscious mind throws many obstacles in the
path of clear thought, and self observation is what allows us to clear the way
for better brainpower.
Part Two: Self Awareness
In Part One above, I point out how at the highest levels, better brainpower
and maximum creativity cannot be separated from higher self awareness.
What more can you do to become more self aware? Some people turn to
meditation, and this is a good start. This helps one deal with the "monkey
mind," which describes how the mind often jumps from thought to thought
like a restless monkey in a tree, jumping around from branch to branch. The
idea is to "tame" that busy barrage of thoughts.
Meditative practices help you observe things more clearly, concentrate
better, and perhaps think more efficiently. Efficient doesn't necessarily mean
effective, however. A perfectly tuned car can still take you to the wrong
destination, right? Self awareness, then, starts with this meditative
observation of the "chatter" in your mind, but for more powerful thinking
you have to look deeper, to see the content of those thoughts and identify
the patterns and biases working there, often unnoticed by you.
With that in mind, here are some more of the common biases and other
patterns of thought that can get in the way of better brainpower. Many more
are covered in my book, Beyond Mental Slavery.
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Source Biases
We're not always aware that we're under the influence of a bias against the
source of an idea. For example, even a very rational scientist may discount
the theories of another, without realizing that it has as much to do with his
dislike of the person as with the merits of the ideas. If you doubt this, you
can prove it to yourself with an experiment. Tell 100 people, "John Wayne
said that citizens have a duty to fight for their country when their
government asks them to. Do you agree?" Then make the same statement to
another 100 people, but start with "Adolph Hitler said..." See how many
agree with each version.
You can guess the results without doing the work. We know from
experience that where information, ideas, or even evidence comes from
helps determine how people perceive these things - even when there is no
rational reason to differentiate (it is rational, of course, to be more skeptical
of information from a source with a justified reputation for being
unreliable). It is common to note this bias, but it is also common to assume
that "I'm not like that." Of course we are all subject to this ordinary pattern
of thought.
To get past this, then, we have to become aware of it in ourselves. We can
start by asking questions like, "How do I feel about this source, and could
that be affecting my thinking?" You might hate the slant of a particular news
channel, for example, and so discount the importance of something they
report on. Upon reflection, you realize that despite the political slant to their
reporting, they never invent facts, and that if you saw the same story on a
different station you would have thought about it differently.
Here's another approach: When you feel a strong negative or positive
reaction to some idea, evidence or information, imagine for a moment what
your response/reaction would have been if you heard the same thing from a
different source. In fact, imagine several sources and pay attention to what
your mind does. We've probably all heard a friend defend the ideas of a
favorite politician, even though we know he would denounce the same ideas
if they came from someone he didn't like. To see if, and to what extent, this
is happening in yourself, do this little mental exercise as honestly as
possible.
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Philosophical Biases
We all have some fundamental ideas about various aspects of life. I hesitate
to call this a "philosophy," because these thoughts are not always consistent
nor consciously formulated in a person. In fact, many people unconscious
philosophical perspectives contradict conscious beliefs. For example, a man
might openly express capitalistic beliefs and yet still feel like business is
somehow "dirty," perhaps because of childhood experiences.
Whether conscious or not, our philosophical "leanings" can affect our
ability to clearly and rationally think about things. For example, suppose a
woman has a basic feeling or philosophy that hard work toward goals is
what makes us happy. Then she reads about a study which found that those
who could not quickly name three specific personal goals were actually
happier than those who could. What might her response be?
I made that study up by the way. If it was true, though, it might be
fascinating to take it further and see why people without definite goals were
happier. However, given this woman's basic philosophical bias, it seem
likely that she might start asking questions like, "How did they measure
happiness?" and "Why did they have to name their goals quickly?" These
are valid questions, but probably a reactive challenge to the validity of the
study rather than an attempt to get at the truth. Or to put it another way, the
"truth" she wants to get at is getting in the way of honestly looking at the
evidence and learning something new.
Before we consciously see the logical implications of an idea, our
unconscious mind has already figured them out, and caused an uneasy
feeling if they contradict other important beliefs. We then react according to
this "processing," and we may even feel obligated to defend our response that's where rationalization enters. If we asked this woman why she so
quickly attacked the study rather than exploring the fascinating implications
of its findings, she might say, "Because there is so much bad science out
there." True, perhaps, but we would have to wonder if she did the same with
studies that confirmed her philosophical leanings.
With self observation we develop more self awareness. How do apply that
here? When you react quickly to something, don't allow yourself to create
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"reasons" to defend your reaction. Instead look for causes that may have
been hiding just below the surface. What important beliefs do you have that
might be challenged or confirmed by this new information or idea?
Social Biases
If we think a certain way because all of our associates and friends do, that
can be fear of being ostracized from the group. Imagine if a scientist found
evidence of a physical aspect of thoughts. Perhaps his mind races ahead to
imagine the ridicule he'll face from his peers if he mentions such a radical
hypothesis, so he ignores what he found, and stops thinking about it.
This bias is commonly used against us. A person starts a statement with,
"We all know that..." and whether what "we all know" is true or not, we
have been warned that we will be looked at as an outsider if we disagree.
This is less a statement of the obvious than an argument from intimidation,
but it is often more subtle than this. For example, there is an unspoken
agreement among many people that they should never point out that
affirmative action (purposely hiring minorities) fits the exact definition of
discriminatory hiring. I propose that such social "correctness" not only
intimidates people into silence, but it prevents clear thinking (and certainly
rational discussion) on some topics.
There may be good reasons to limit what you say, but why limit what you
think about? Ask yourself what uncomfortable thoughts you've entertained
at times. Then do a simple experiment. Imagine if you lived in a place where
everyone agreed with those ideas. Would you feel more comfortable
exploring them? You may be biased and limited by the beliefs of those
around you.
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Other Books by Steve Gillman
Beyond Mental Slavery
You think you control you mind, but your mind is often the one in control.
Ideas, biases and internal dialogs are mistaken for your own thinking - for
your self. But they are not you, and they don't look for truth. In fact, these
mental programs seek only to perpetuate themselves.
Beyond Mental Slavery looks at many of the various reactive processes and
biases that become your master, determining your subsequent thoughts and
the actions. It points out the limitations inherent in ordinary thinking. Then
it lays out steps you can take to escape the rule of the reactive mind - to gain
a new intellectual and personal freedom. You can have a more powerful
mind, but also one that is more useful and under control.
Use this link to order from Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Mental-Slavery-BreakingThinking/dp/0982654707/ref=sr_1_1
ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272646809&sr=8-1
Or to read excerpts, visit:
http://www.BeyondMentalSlavery.com
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Secrets of Lucky People
Don't you agree that some people have more good things happen in their
lives? Would you like to learn how to be one of these lucky people? Then
get this book.
But it is more than just a book. It is a true course in how to have good luck.
Each chapter/lesson covers an important principle you can apply to your
life. Believe it or not, there has been some serious scientific research done
on lucky people, and you'll read about it here.
Even more important are the good-luck tales. Many are true stories, and they
demonstrate the principles in action. They also help the lesson to "stick" in
your mind.
Then, after every chapter/lesson there are the exercises. These are designed
to get you thinking like a lucky person. Do this easy "luck work" and you'll
start to see results in days.
Use this link to order from Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_16?url=searchalias=stripbooks&fieldkeywords=secrets+of+lucky+people+steve+gillman&sprefix=secrets+of+lu
cky
Or to get Secrets of Lucky People for less as an e-book, visit:
http://www.GoodLuckSecrets.com
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Problem Solving Power
If you liked this short book on how to have new ideas, you'll really love
Problem Solving Power. It has dozens of great problem solving techniques
you can use to become a master of creative problem solving. Apply what
you learn and you can have a hundred new ideas tonight! PDF e-book.
For more for immediate access or information, visit:
http://www.IncreaseBrainpower.com/problem-solving-book.html
The Secrets Package
This package of great PDF e-books includes the famous: You Aren't
Supposed to Know - A Book of Secrets, along with 99 Lies, A Survival Guide
for Interesting Times, and several other great books. You can also sign up
for the free e-mail course, Secret Information and How to Use It.
Details here...
http://www.thesecretinformationsite.com
Mind Power Meditation
Although this e-book is a good general guide to how to meditate, it is
specifically aimed at how to use meditation for improving one's mind. It is
offered free, a chapter at a time by e-mail.
Get your free copy here:
http://www.BestMeditationCDs.com
(the end)
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