How to Think Like Einstein

I like to use a deck of idea cards to generate ideas. This technique works very well because it keeps me focused on idea generation of weeks or even months. We would all like to have brilliant ideas from a single idea generation session. However, regular, consistent idea generation sessions directed to a specific problem work much better. They just require more patience.

Here is how it works. Whenever I have an idea, I write it on a card and add it to my deck of idea cards.  In addition to idea cards, the deck also includes cards with instructions for modifying the ideas.  These include:

Make the idea bigger

Make the idea smaller

Assume an unlimited buget for the solution

Assume no budget is available for the solution

Change the problem to fit an available solution

Change who needs the solution

Periodically, I shuffle the deck and draw two or three cards that include at least one idea. I then use the ideas and instructions from the card to generate a new idea, using cerebral sex. The new idea is recorded on a card and goes into the deck with the others. Doing this regularly will keep you out of your rut. It will also build your idea muscle.

Of course, if only your ideas go into your deck, it will get very stale. Get ideas from other people, especially those that don't think like you or regularly agree with you. You can also add random ideas that seem to have nothing to do with your problem. These random ideas often generate some of the best solutions.