There’s No Fear In Idea Generating! Ok, there is…
Reading this post about why brainstorming is a bad idea made me want to raise the issue of fear in finding ideas. This is especially prevalent if you actually need to execute your idea for the world to see. I truly believe that the reason “real groups” don’t succeed versus “virtual groups” is that there is so much fear and self-consciousness associated with the idea generating process. Let’s fact it, we all care what people think of us in some way. Knowing that we may blurt out a ridiculous idea that will have the entire group staring cockeyed at you can be a big detriment to the process. But don’t fear! Or, fear, and suck it up and scream out that idea. Here are a few things the remember when you have to release that idea that you think everyone’s going to judge.
Don’t censor yourself
One of the keys to generating ideas is using your imagination. In your imagination, anything is possible. That means that things that live in your imagination will seem silly and outlandish in the “real” world. Some of the things that I imagine don’t seem like it can be possibly done when I start to think about it realistically. But as we all know, the greatest ideas are the ones that people’s imaginations have never made into reality.
There are no bad ideas
I’ve explained that an idea is neither right or wrong. As long as it can conceivably solve your problem, it needs to be at least considered. Don’t worry about how great an idea it is until you’re ready to implement it. And even then, it still may be an idea that will have success. Sometimes you just don’t know until you make it happen.
You’re going to get another idea anyway
Don’t worry! There are going to be dozens, if not hundreds, more ideas to be had. If you ultimately find out that an idea isn’t the best of the batch, there will be so many more that come to you, it won’t matter. Who’s perfect anyway? Certainly not the people who are hearing your ideas!
They’re ideas are as good (or dumb) yours
Thinking this is similar to public speakers who eliminate anxiety by imagining the audience in the nude. Like I said, no one is perfect, so believe that those that are hearing your ideas are no better than you are. And if they don’t get your ideas or think they’re dumb, they may be coming from a narrow minded place, where their imagination won’t let them see that awesome idea you’ve just dreamed up.
So if you’re working in groups to generate ideas, or you have to present your ideas to the world, know that fear is a natural thing to feel. But don’t let that fear stop your creative process, as you’re closer to that great feeling you’ll get when you connect with that great idea.
