{"id":515,"date":"2014-03-18T10:00:27","date_gmt":"2014-03-18T09:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hatrabbits.com\/?p=515"},"modified":"2018-01-23T15:49:26","modified_gmt":"2018-01-23T14:49:26","slug":"5-steps-to-reach-your-breakthrough-idea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hatrabbits.com\/en\/5-steps-to-reach-your-breakthrough-idea\/","title":{"rendered":"The power of incubation – 5 steps to reach your breakthrough idea"},"content":{"rendered":"

Why you should get rid of your dishwasher<\/h3>\n

How do we get ideas? Where do they come from? Why do our best ideas suddenly appear in our mind, while we\u2019re visiting the gym, taking a shower or walking the dog? The answer to all these questions is a simple procedure that explains the magic of getting ideas.<\/em><\/p>\n

An idea is nothing more than the combination of old elements. It\u2019s a new connection we did not see before. If you want to be creative, it\u2019s important to have a broad interest<\/a><\/span> in the world around you. The more knowledge is stored in your brain, the bigger the chance of finding that one brilliant new connection.<\/p>\n

The process of getting ideas consists of 5 steps. Each step is responsible for one part of the procedure. If you follow these steps in the right order, you will have no difficulty getting the big idea.<\/p>\n

1. Collect data<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Dive into your subject. Learn everything there is to know about your immediate problem. Really understanding your subject in detail is hard work. It takes a lot of time and effort. Don\u2019t give up too soon. Read and watch everything there is, every bit of information you can find. Give your mind something to chew on.<\/p>\n

It takes a lot of discipline to stick to this first step. During this phase, people tend to wait for inspiration, while they should be hunting for all the information they can get their hands on.<\/p>\n

There are two types of data you should gather: specific<\/em> and general<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Specific data<\/em> is the information directly related to your problem. For instance, if your problem is a decline in sales, the information you\u2019re looking for should have everything to do with your product and the people buying your product.<\/p>\n

General data<\/em> is the information unrelated to your problem, it’s the information you use to make original new connections. It enables you to combine what has not been combined before. The more you know the easier it is to establish new connections and to create new ideas.<\/p>\n

It’s important that you constantly enrich your storage of general knowledge. Pick up a magazine on a subject you know nothing about, read a book on an unrelated topic or watch a documentary on developments in a field that is not in any way related to your problem. Constantly fill your library of general knowledge, not just when you’re desperate for a solution.<\/p>\n

2. Work with the information<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Think long and hard about your problem. Come up with as many ideas as you can. Go over your material and think about every detail. Don\u2019t give up. stretch your mind. Exhaust your brain until it hurts…<\/p>\n

3. Forget about it and go do something else<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Drop the subject. Clear your head and try to forget about your problem. This way you will start the incubation<\/em> state, where you leave the problem to your unconscious mind. Be active, do something undemanding that distracts your attention. Go to a concert, do the dishes, take a shower, go to the cinemas etc. As long as you keep your conscious mind busy.<\/p>\n

Keep the activity simple but active. Don\u2019t do nothing, it\u2019s a waste of time and will have a negative influence on the process. Make sure that your activity is not asking for too much mental energy either. Don\u2019t try to solve difficult mathematical problems or think about the beginning of the Universe. (It will steal the attention of your unconscious mind and will absorb the energy it needs to generate new ideas.)<\/p>\n

4. Eureka, the birth of an idea<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Bam! An idea will strike you. It will pop up like a rabbit out of a hat. It will find you when you least expect it. While you are busy shaving, doing the dishes, half awake in the morning or in the middle of the night.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to always carry a notebook with you. At all times. Put a small notebook and pencil in your jacket, in your bag and next to your bed. You never know when an idea will strike you.<\/em><\/p>\n

5. Shaping the idea<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Share your idea<\/a><\/span> with the world. Don\u2019t be afraid, the world won\u2019t bite. Share it directly with the biggest critics you know. They will help you to shape it into a more feasible idea. A good idea will stimulate people to add to it. Let them point out its weaknesses and flaws and try to fix these.<\/p>\n

Now you will be ready to share your idea with the rest of the world. Good luck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For more information on the Incubation process, read A Technique for Producing Ideas<\/a><\/span>, by James Webb Young.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

How do we get ideas? Where do they come from? 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