Change your Environment to Spark Innovative Ideas

Summary

Changing one's environment can significantly enhance the ability to generate innovative ideas by reducing distractions and providing new stimuli.

Abstract

The article emphasizes the importance of altering one's work environment to foster creative thinking and innovation. It suggests that escaping the usual workspace can help minimize interruptions and allow the mind to explore new ideas freely. The article recommends varying the level of noise, activity, and creativity in one's surroundings, and even suggests that mundane activities like taking a shower can be a rich source of inspiration. It encourages readers to experiment with different environments, from quiet libraries to bustling coffee shops, and to note which settings enhance their personal creative processes.

Opinions

The author believes that a change of scenery is crucial for eliminating or reducing work-related distractions.
Some individuals are said to benefit from quiet environments for creative thinking, while others thrive in noisy settings.
It is suggested that physical activity can serve as a stimulus for innovative thinking for those who are usually sedentary.
The article posits that environments showcasing creative works, such as art galleries or museums, can support creative thinking.
A consensus among inventors is highlighted, with many claiming that the shower is the top location for generating innovative ideas.
The author advises readers to identify the environments where they are most creative and to revisit those places regularly to maintain a flow of innovative business ideas.

Change Your Environment to Spark Innovative Ideas

Image credit: Fotolia (By Author)

Changing your environment can drastically improve your ability to discover innovative ideas. Whether you work in an office or your dining room, your work distractions will inhibit your ability to think creatively. Unless you leave your work environment, it is difficult to get away from phones, email notifications, people stopping by with questions, and the pile of projects on your desk that remind you how many things need your attention.

Getting a change of scenery can eliminate or reduce many of those distractions to give your mind some “creative space.” Here are a few ways you can change your environment to spark some innovations.

1. Inside/Outside — If you spend most of your time inside, go outside. This can be as simple as going for a walk or may involve driving to a park or other outside location. Do something that lets your mind forget about the distractions you leave behind in your office. If, instead, you work outside, try going indoors as a change of environment. You can pick a quiet location, such as a library or museum, or pick a location with lots of activity, such as a coffee shop, restaurant, or playground.

2. Quiet/Noisy — If you work in a noisy environment, find a quiet environment for some creative thinking. Some people thrive in a quiet environment and identify many new ideas. Other people actually prefer a noisy environment. Many innovators have told me that they generate their best ideas at busy coffee shops. They believe that the activity level and noise help stimulate their creative energy. Experiment with both quiet and noisy environments to see which works best for you to develop innovative ideas.

3. Active/Relaxed — If you spend much of your time at a desk or other inactive position, change your environment by increasing your activity. This may include going for a walk, exercising, riding your bike, or taking a drive in your car. The activity will be a new stimulus for your innovative thinking. However, if you are active most of the time, take a break and sit down. This lack of activity can help you relax and think about new ideas for your business.

4. Creative Environment — Regardless of where you work, consider moving to a creative environment to help support your creative thinking. Creative environments include locations that display creative works, such as an art gallery, a museum, or an outside area that displays artistic sculptures. If an art gallery or museum is not convenient, look through a book containing pictures of art or other creations. Creative environments may also include a place where kids are playing — watch the kids and see how many creative ideas they use to make new games, sing songs, and create their own artwork.

5. Take a Shower — I’ve worked with more than 1000 inventors. The unanimous #1 place that they get innovative ideas is in the shower. Although you may not be able to take a shower break in the middle of the day, consider doing some creative thinking whenever you take your shower. And, be sure to record those new ideas right after you get out of the shower so the ideas don’t go down the drain!

Today’s Activity: Take a break from your usual environment and spend some time creating innovative business ideas. Keep track of the environments that allow you to be most creative, and revisit those environments regularly.