Out of ideas? Here’s how to generate some (in under 30 minutes)!

A moment ago, I had no idea what this article would be about.

Thankfully, I realized that feeling like you have no ideas is a common problem amongst creatives — something worth discussing here in this newsletter.

To clarify this isn’t a creative rut — that’s a bigger issue that I discuss here. Instead, being out of ideas is more of a day-to-day human issue that can happen on occasion. When its a continual problem — that’s a creative rut.

When you’re out of ideas, it can often feel like you have to create something just for the sake of meeting a deadline (rather than because you feel particularly inspired).

While this may seem like a scenario that isn’t ideal, I think it’s actually a good thing. If we wait too long for ‘inspiration’ to strike to create that painting, ship that MVP, start that podcast, then it most likely will never happen.

So, despite my own creative resistance that can pop up during my days, I’ve put together some tools that help when the inspiration just isn’t there (but the deadline is).

Generate new ideas:

Brain dump (5 minutes) — sometimes I play a DJ mix, put a timer on for 5 minutes and write down everything that comes to mind around the topic I need to generate ideas for (even if it seems impossible, mundane etc). This takes the pressure off. While some advocate for doing this in a group, it has been shown that this actually prevents you from coming up with original ideas.

Search somewhere new (2 minutes) — I’ve started Googling topics I’m stuck for ideas on, and going to sites I don’t usually visit (sometimes EVEN on page 2 of Google). On other days, sometimes I even do a TikTok search for a fresh perspective.

Talk to someone you haven’t spoken to in ages (20 minutes) — I’ve reconnected with a few old friends recently, and some family I haven’t spoken to in a while, and they’ve really helped me see my current situations from a fresh perspective.

Order a new book recommendation from a friend or club (5 minutes) — I’ve started the Women in Tech Book Club and it has been brilliant to connect with other women in the industry and to read books they want to read — stuff I probably would’ve never picked up on my own.

Unfollow some social media (10 minutes) — A lot of people can be very negative on LinkedIn and Instagram, especially since all of the big tech layoffs kicked off. Unfollowing these people has helped me focus on continuing to develop myself and take charge of my career (instead of focusing on things I cannot control).

Take a break (20 minutes) — I always suggest this, and maybe it seems obvious, but its very easy to forget to go outside when you’re working from home. Fresh air, movement & sun can be an instant mood booster and brain de-fogging tool.

I’m curious — how do you come up with new ideas when you feel like you’re out of them?

Let’s continue the conversation over on LinkedIn 👋