My Top 5 places for moments of genius & inspiration

Posted by Scott on October 23rd, 2007 .

InspirationWhether it be problem solving, thinking up new concepts and ideas or trying to overcome ongoing obstacles it is sometimes hard to see the forest for the trees sitting in front of my computer for hours on end.

I have never worked that conventionally, I have usually done my best work in the evenings - to the great delight of the wife who pretty regularly throws one liners at me like “are you going to pay any attention to me tonight” or a more popular one being “why don’t you just switch that thing off” :)

Now I may not have perfected the balance between working and family life due to the fact I really enjoy what I do, I have however become better at taking time out during the day which I feel makes me more productive when I come back to the computer refreshed, often its when I am away from teh desk that I get this important breakthroughs.

During the day I often get my best ideas away from the computer taking time out, so I usually try and take lots of mini breaks from my desk, I bought a basketball & hoop a few months ago and decided that I had to shoot 4 hoops in a row from a certain distance before I went back to work..I ended up giving myself the afternoon off!

My top 5 places for moments of divine inspiration are:

  • Driving - the best place for eureka moments! Just try not to crash
  • While someone is talking to me, often the wife and I run out of the room abruptly looking for a pen/paper to jot down an idea.
  • Watching T.V. or reading the paper, sometimes the offline world can offer great ideas for the online one, especially for niches and domain ideas - you would be amazed how quickly domains get reg’d while watching things like Dragons Den (UK entrepreneur show)
  • Going for a walk - clears the head and fresh air does wonders for thinking clearly
  • Shooting some hoops or doing a light sport, I guess the endorphins must help 

My wife is on board working with me now, it helps having someone to bounce things off and discuss ideas it, on Thursday I’ll detail how exactly I take or find a niche and then do some research on it to try and find suitable domains for purchase, lease or mini site.

Is there anything you like to do that helps you become more productive in your thinking?

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13 Comments »

Comment by Matthew from GadgetVenue Subscribed to comments via email
2007-10-23 11:30:30

Walking or going to a place with a view such as a large hill overlooking a town or city. I find those relaxing and a good time to think and brainstorm.

 
Comment by Ashley from Quick Whois Subscribed to comments via email
2007-10-23 11:58:56

I know what you mean about pen and paper, my girlfriend has only just worked out why i always have the two handy.

I often get ideas when waking up in the middle of the night, so its essential i capture these ideas before drifting off again!

Comment by Scott from Scott Subscribed to comments via email
2007-10-23 12:12:39

ha, your right - I wake up and find out I have left socks on the floor or something out of place to try and jog my memory about something that came to mind.

 
 
Comment by Lizard Wisdom
2007-10-23 21:08:10

We find that silence makes us think better, and thus be more productive. If there is to much noise or other distractions around, we become much very unproductive. Might as well take a nap at that point! :)

 
Comment by Tomaz Mencinger from Financial Freedom Ideas
2007-10-24 07:54:42

I get good ideas often when I take a shower and then I have to try really hard to keep the idea in my mind before I dry myself and actually write it down. ;)

 
Comment by Neale from Barbados Info Subscribed to comments via email
2007-10-24 11:31:47

I Have my best thoughts in the shower! cause i’m gettin old now i’ve normaly forgot them by the time i get out though :)

 
Comment by Max Headroom Subscribed to comments via email
2007-10-24 14:35:45

I get a torrent of ideas while stoned, all website related and some site concepts and ideas have been developing in that state of mind for more than three years.

It’s a drag because being stoned on a daily basis is not suitable for doing any actual work. That’s why so far I’ve only gotten around to registering domain names for a dozen or so ideas.

I usually get one new idea and several insights into developing ideas every time I toke.

 
Comment by Justin Cook from SEO Toronto Subscribed to comments via email
2007-10-24 17:10:38

I have to say, I get most of my inspiration while laying in bed about to sleep. Then I feel like I should get up and write it down, otherwise I’ll forget it. Which makes me lose sleep. Which makes me tired in the morning. Which makes me forget my ideas…

 
Comment by Kirsty from Nerdy Nomad
2007-10-24 23:25:11

I’m another one who gets ideas right before I fall asleep. I always assume I’ll remember it in the morning but, of course, I never do. I’ll learn my lesson one day.

 
Comment by Abdul from The Webmasters Tool Subscribed to comments via email
2007-10-25 09:49:11

I have to agree the mind has to be clear to get a good idea.

For me this usually happens when I am going to college or coming back (an hour journey each way) so I have plenty of time to think.

Also its a good idea to try and “think outside the box” because it gives so many options.

 
Comment by Domaining from Domaining Subscribed to comments via email
2007-10-25 19:11:51

Another great source of inspiration is having a good browse of the magazines in the business section of larger newsagents - lots of opportunities to catch up on the hot topics in different areas.

 
Comment by Thomas Sinfield
2007-10-29 04:08:22

For me it is walking, driving, or in the gym. I think it is just anywhere that I stop and just relax.

You can’t think when you are busy.

 
Comment by Mike Subscribed to comments via email
2007-11-01 19:32:44

I get good ideas why in the bus or the subway, but most of the time i dissect them so hardly i end up thinking that great idea is in fact crap… :) ) Or even worse, i forget it till i get home

 
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