„Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come.’ This quote by Victor Hugo describes the finish line. However, the path to get there is not always easy. Right from the start, there are preventers and manipulators whose sole aim is to destroy any good thought in its infancy. Through their influence, the most promising and creative ideas can vanish in an instant.
Creativity thrives on mental freedom
How far can your imagination take you? When was the last time you experienced something for the first time? How much room do your thoughts truly have?
Give your ideas a chance and keep idea killers at bay.
Idea killers:
Fear
If you want to explore new things and develop extraordinary ideas, you must fearlessly step into the unknown.
Comfort
Don’t just follow the easiest path. Sometimes, make things really uncomfortable for yourself.
Chaos
Creating order and systems can provide security and trust on the surface but can become an insurmountable obstacle in the idea-finding process.
Pressure
Let go and create opportunities where eccentricity can flourish.
Experience
Overcome the fear of the unknown and remain open to new experiences.
Avoiding Mistakes
The more you learn from mistakes, the faster you’ll improve.
Group Dynamics
Don’t encourage the path of least resistance.
Harmony
As soon as you begin to echo someone else’s thoughts in the same direction and style, be very cautious.
Ego
Instead of ‘I,’ it should be ‘we’.
Whining
Climb out of the valley of whining and try to do better.
Criticism
Find sparring partners who inspire, constructively challenge, and help ideas grow.
Boredom
Use boredom as a catalyst for creativity, but resist it as a source of apathy.
Distrust
Give yourself the freedom to listen only to constructive sparring partners.
Norm
Learning to think in options and alternatives opens up limitless possibilities and new opportunities.
Superficiality
Don’t settle for the first approach – develop your thoughts further.
Panic
Lean back and take a deep breath – focus on facts and don’t listen to panic strategists.
Querulousness
Don’t let yourself be influenced by trivialities and argumentative bickering – good arguers are interested in other people’s opinions and take them seriously.
Routine
Go on a discovery journey away from routine!
Ridicule
What to do? Take risks. Only commitment has a chance to succeed here.
Inertia
The amount of energy you put in will determine your success.
Delay
Get started. Make decisions. Follow through.
Judgment
‘Everyone is a genius! But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.’ (A. Einstein)
Mediocrity
Why settle for mediocrity when you can do something better?
Yo-Yo Effect
Ensure variety – stay curious and hungry for knowledge!
Censorship
Creativity needs freedom, individuality, and lots of fun.
Only those who can recognize idea killers in time and know how to deal with them have a clear view of the really, really good ideas. Expand your horizons and don’t give idea killers a chance.
You can find the entire list of Idea Killers, along with details about creativity enablers and preventers, in the following links for further reading – enjoy!!
never stop evolving.
stay human.
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Claudia Gilhofer:
Creative Planner, Communication Psychologist in Training, Systemic Business Coach, Facilitator, Mentor, Sparring Partner, VR Expert (XR-C)
