Here's a Bright Idea!

Using creativity to find viable ideas isn't a skill you either have or don't have. Everyone is creative to some degree.

Here are five steps you can easily follow to ramp up your creativity and generate bright ideas:

1. Relax. Take some time to review all the information you have about the problem. Don't worry about any one aspect. Just "load" the information into your head. Then take a break while your subconscious works on the problem.



2. Take a different path. Many people find that placing themselves in unfamiliar locations with new sights and sounds can let the brain make totally unique connections. So tomorrow, go to a different restaurant, take a different route to work or perhaps listen to a different genre of music.



3. Enjoy laughter. Being playful and having fun often leads to innovative ideas.



4. Consider the problem. Sit down and try to load your brain with a multitude of various stimuli. Look out the window or turn on the radio. Now is the time to finally consider the problem. Write down areas of the problem that are challenging, and come up with a handful of ideas. Remember, bright ideas may not present a solution right away but, upon reflection or refinement, may be the very answers that are needed.



5. Consider your ideas. Next, consider each idea individually. List pros and cons of the ideas and then narrow them down and choose the best one. If you get stuck again, repeat steps 1 - 4. It's vitally important that you don't try to hurry this step. Nervousness is counterproductive to developing bright ideas.

By following these steps, you'll find "light bulbs" popping up all around you, and you'll amaze your colleagues with the bright ideas you offer. To learn more useful skills and ideas that will make you shine as an administrative assistant, attend SkillPath's outstanding one-day event The Administrative Assistants Conference. You'll network with other administrative assistants and learn more tips to make you happier and more effective in your job. Check the schedule for one coming soon to a city near you.

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