Running Out of Ideas?

Last week, one of my clients mentioned that he’d been following the Career Hub blog. He said he really enjoys reading the diverse posts and perspectives. He then asked…where do you get your ideas? explaining that if he were a blogger, he thought he’d run out of ideas for things to write about.

Running out of ideas. I’ve felt that way many times, wondering if I’ll ever have another idea and then, voilà, there it is! In your quest for a new opportunity, do you ever think you’re running out of ideas? Or feel like you’re at a dead end? Or totally devoid of any fresh career wisdom?  Here are a few ideas about running out of ideas:

1.                  Call time out. Sit with a blank piece of paper and a writing instrument. Don’t even think about writing something. Just be calm. Quiet. Still. Clear your mind of this, that and the other thing, seeking clarity, not more clutter and chaos. After 20 – 30 minutes, write down the one career related thing, thought or idea that seems to appear out of nowhere. What, if anything, does it suggest to you? If nothing comes to mind, no problem. It will in time.

2.                  Get outdoors, if you are able to do so, and enjoy the fresh air. Try to find a quiet spot, away from the crazy, hectic daily pace. Look around at nature’s beauty. From lakes and rivers to trees, flowers and sunshine, nature’s beauty is everywhere. What, if any, ideas do you glean from it?

3.                  Ask several people: what is the single best idea that someone ever told you about finding a new job? Maybe what they say will be just the thing to spur you on to the next great notion, or new business invention.

4.                  Listen. Whether it’s to the radio, tv, computer, your buddy, a neighbor, or children at play, simply listen. You may come up with a brilliant new idea.

5.                  Browse through a bookstore. From business to travel to self-help and career sections, grab a book that looks interesting to you. Read a page here, there. Any ideas come to mind? Or, if you prefer, browse the internet for areas of interest to you. Any ideas?

Better yet, if you have an idea that worked well for you when you stalled out in a job search, how about posting it here in comments? Now that would be a most appreciated idea!

Comments

[Louise Kursmark]

Billie, great ways to stimulate ideas! I find that many of my best ideas come while I'm in the shower. I thought I was a kook until yesterday, browsing a magazine while waiting for a doctor's appointment, I came across an article that cited a scientific study relating warm water on the skin to a surge of ideas! Totally cool - I now have scientific proof to back up what I've known, instinctively, for years.

[Terri Ferrara]

Billie, thank you for all of the ideas! Before my blog I thought like this gentleman, plus I didn't enjoy writing. Since I've started writing a blog, I have been so surprised at all of the information I've come across that I want to let others know about and how I enjoy writing!

I always enjoy reading what you write! You write interesting, informative and practical articles and comments! Louise, I chuckled while reading your comment today!

[billie sucher]

Louise, your post was really cute. You, a kook? Not in a million years. Loved your idea!

And Terri, happy to hear you like blogging.
Isn't it such fun? Glad you enjoy my posts, too!

To both of you, thanks so much for your feedback!
billie sucher

[Karen P. Katz]

Ha-Ha! I am also a closet shower thinker! I call the results, "shower storms!" One of them led me to creatively finance a career change!

Now that I work at home, I sometimes emerge from my shower and start my computer before I dry my hair. Next thing you know, it's 11am and I'm still "tinkling 'dem keys."

Billie - I ove the way you think! You get all the kinks out of the brain cells. Posted by "Towel-Babe"

[billiesucher]

Karen P. Katz, you are too funny! How about that...shower storms? Now that's a pretty creative idea right there -- would make for an interesting blog caption! Thanks for your comments & keep those creative juices flowing!: - )
billie sucher

[Tiffany]

Great list of ways to get the ideas flowing. It's hard to be innovative all the time, but the wonderful thing about blogging is how you can easily write about your take on other peoples' ideas. Sometimes I find myself with too many ideas and not enough hours to write, but not always. These tips will come in handy in the dry spells - thanks!

[billie sucher]

Tiffany, you make a great point about "too many ideas and not enough hours to write" -- how true! By the way, I really like your blog Little Red Suit. Very cool. Thanks for your thoughts! : - )
billie sucher