by Renee Adams

Created on: July 04, 2007

Three Easy Steps to Generate Ideas

Many people seem to have a problem coming up with ideas that make money, but the odd thing is that every day we are faced with situations, choices, and discussions that have the potential to trigger ideas in each of us. You may never be the best at it, but there are a few strategies you can use to change your thinking and allow yourself to improve the quality of your work, your hobbies, or your home life.

1. Listen when people complain. When people complain, there is usually a problem that they are having. A problem requires a solution. Many inventions and practices came into being out of a problem someone somewhere was having. Remember the saying "Necessity is the mother of all invention." So when someone complains to you, the first thing that should be going through your mind is "How can I solve this?" Do not force a solution. Just play with the idea in your mind. Toy with it. If a solution comes to you, great! Use it! If not, then leave it to someone else who may think differently. Feel free to return to thinking about any past idea at any time. Just as doctor Emmet Brown from Back to the Future bumped his head and came up with the idea for the flux capacitor, maybe you'll think of a solution while you wash dishes or take a shower.

2. Figure out what annoys you. Do not just listen to other people's complaints. Think about your own. What about your daily life bothers you? Is there some way to improve that? You never need to put up with something that bothers you. There is always some way to make things better. Don't like driving to work? Find a way to make the ride more enjoyable. Sell it. Find a way to work from home. Find a way to make your money work for you, so you don't have to work. The key here is think, think, think. Too many people get lazy and say things like "There's nothing I can do" or "Well, my spouse will think of something." These are just things people say to avoid thinking for themselves. Avoid this. Solve the problem on your own.

3. Improve an existing idea. Nothing is perfect. Things can always be better. Keep asking yourself "How could I make this better?" The key is to constantly question what people accept on a daily basis. Never accept something as the "best it can get." No matter how many people say this, it is just another tactic used to put off thinking about how to improve something.

If you have trouble generating ideas, these tactics will help you to get started. The key is to keep questioning and keep thinking. Do not leave the thinking to someone else. You have original ideas, and it would be a shame to let those go to waste. With some practice, you will start seeing areas in your life that could easily be improved. All you have to do is think.

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