May 2

Brainstorming - Pushing your brain to it's full potential

By Lacey Ackerman

Brainstorming is a commonly-used technique to achieve a solution to a problem. It is used when we want to push our ways of thinking in a new direction. However, many brainstorming sessions do not develop to their full potential and may conclude prematurely. There are many different techniques and below are just a few to help you become the mastermind you deserve to be.

What? Why? How?

You know your topic. Elaborate on this. Try to figure out what it is you are trying to achieve and why you want to achieve it. How will the idea be implemented and how will you reach your goal?

Pick up a notepad and write

Jot down anything that comes to mind; words, phrases, song lyrics, etc. These ideas will be preliminary, but may lead to something later.

The traditional "Mind Map"

Remember when you first learned about brainstorming in elementary school? You teachers taught you about idea maps. Well, in my opinion, they are still effective. They help visualize and expand all your original thoughts.

Share your ideas

It always helps to have two sets of eyes (or more) on a project. Someone else may see something that you don't and vice versa. Whether it's a friend, family member or a team of colleagues, the more people the better.

Brainstorming is an effective way to generate new, creative ideas can be discouraging at times, but with these few techniques, you'll be both surprised and pleased with what you think of.