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Greetings!
Do you sit in the same place everyday? Drive to and
from work along the same route? Tackle problems in
the same manner?
Habits are easy, and they help us get through the
day. Do them too often, however, and you end up in
a rut. Let the ruts get too deep and it is hard to find
a new solution to a problem or challenge.
Sometimes drastic measures are needed to
break out of the rut
Break the Habit
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Try a New Approach
If you need a fresh idea, try a new direction.
Consider using a technique called "Random Input."
This technique helps you break away from
restrictive thinking patterns. It opens a conversation
about new solutions you normally might not associate
with the problem.
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How it Works
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Begin by selecting a random noun from the dictionary
or one that strikes your fancy. It works best if the
noun is something that can be seen or touched (e.g.,
helicopter, dog). Use this noun as the starting point
for brainstorming.
Next, look for ways to connect the noun to
the challenge at hand. As you brainstorm, do not
eliminate or evaluate ideas. Let your mind wander.
Capture every idea. Yes, you will have some useless
ones. Others may lead to valuable insights. And at
least one is likely to make a startling, creative leap.
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Example: Breaking Away
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Here is an example of how Random Input can work.
Imagine your challenge is to find a new fundraising
project for a teen soccer team. You have considered
all the conventional solutions, but nothing really
exciting comes to mind.
Now is a good time to try random input. You see your
favorite plant on your desk and decide to use the
word "plants." Brainstorming may lead to some of
these ideas:
- Planting seeds in the spring, and selling the young
- Offering lawn care services instead of the typical
car
- Selling decorative floral arrangements for holidays
- "Selling" or "renting" trees or plants around the
playing field to sponsors and supporters
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Engage Others
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You will generate even more ideas if you brainstorm
with others. Invite 3 - 5 people to join you for short
(20 - 30 minute) sessions. When it comes to
brainstorming, two heads are definately better than
one!
The ideas will be sketchy at first. Many will be may
be useless or impractical. Yet, one might be original
enough for the basis of an entirely new concept. Try
it! Random input is a great new habit to develop.
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