We all have those moments when the big idea, inspiration just refuses to come. It doesn’t matter whether you’re trying to solve a complex strategic problem, develop a new approach to marketing or trying to work out how to get people to work more effectively together.
Most of us tend to battle on and often find ourselves becoming tense and anxious, and staring at our computer screens or our pieces of paper filled with seemingly meaningless hieroglyphics, until our eyes glaze over and our brains shut down. Ironically most of us realise that this isn’t an effective way of dealing with the situation. Before you grind to a halt, there are some things that you can do.
For example, you could
- Take a walk. Even just a a few minutes taking a stroll outside will revitalise your brain, ease your tension, and give your mind the the space for a solution to slip in.
- Park the issue. Put the problem aside to be tackled at another time. Let the unconscious mind work on the problem – we often do this when we say “sleep on it.”
- Talk it over – with a friend, colleague, or your kids. It’s amazing how often a fresh perspective a can lead you to a solution a problem – especially a someone who has no interest in the outcome.
- Explain it to someone from another field. Go back to the basics, and explain your context in a way that others will clearly understand the problem and what you’re trying to achieve. They may or may not be able to help you, but your process of review can work wonders in putting the problem in perspective.
- Let someone else solve it. Give it away. What seems irresolvable to you may be perfectly straightforward to someone else. Pass the problem on to a colleague – that inspired solution may be just waiting to be unleashed