How to Brainstorm When You’re Out of Ideas
We’ve all experienced the mental block that occurs when the well of ideas has run dry. Snap out of staring-into-space mode with these brainstorming tips for infinite ideas generation.
Switch Up Your Method
There are lots of different brainstorming methods to choose from—so if one isn’t working for you, try switching to another. Examples include:
1. Free Writing
Free writing means picking up your pen (literally or figuratively!) and writing continuously for a set time period. Don’t worry about your spelling or a grammar check for now—just let the ideas flow! The goal is that you free yourself from the constraints of over-thinking or deliberating whether an idea will work or is ‘good enough’. Forcing yourself to continue with a train of creative thought could take you somewhere unexpected.
2. Mind Mapping
Also known as clustering or creating a spider diagram, this method basically involves branching points out from a core idea. Each point can connect to further branches, letting your core idea lead you somewhere that might have been too much of a leap to make otherwise.
3. Bullet Method
The bullet method is great for those who prefer a more ordered brainstorming session. It involves breaking a topic down into subtopics, which are then broken down further into bullet lists of connected ideas. It’s essentially a more structured-looking mind map! This method is ideal if you wish to note down any sources of inspiration that you might later need to create a works cited page for your MLA or APA style citations.
4. Venn Diagrams
Venn diagrams are a good method for comparing two or more things, and can be especially useful when planning compare and contrast essays. They involve drawing a circle for each thing that needs to be compared. In each circle you write the ideas, traits or characteristics that are relevant to that item. The circles should have an overlapping section for their shared characteristics.
Focus On Quantity, Not Quality
This might go against all your academic instincts, especially if you have perfectionist tendencies. However, allowing yourself the freedom to simply create ideas, without worrying about them further at this stage, could lead you somewhere that you wouldn’t have otherwise got to.
Set A Time Limit
Setting a timer can be an effective way to focus the mind on the task in hand. A time limit will also help prevent you from getting stuck on over-thinking your ideas, and will encourage you to just get as much down on paper as possible before your time runs out!
Change Your Surroundings
Sometimes, a change of scenery can work wonders for creativity. You could physically change your surroundings by taking yourself off to the library, a coffee shop or somewhere else you wouldn’t normally work. Or you could go for a more subtle change such as switching from your computer to good old-fashioned pen and paper. Or try playing background music, if you’re used to working in silence.
Find A Friend
Adding another person to the mix can be really effective in sparking inspiration and unblocking the flow of ideas. Why not try getting some of your class peers together to brainstorm in a group (check with your tutor first). Alternatively, having an impartial third-person to bounce ideas off can be useful as their questions could lead you to consider a new perspective.
Sources
https://medium.com/@WriterLionel/sound-advice-what-to-listen-to-while-working-601af736846
https://www.wrike.com/blog/techniques-effective-brainstorming/
https://www.thoughtco.com/creating-a-venn-diagram-1857015