1. Make a 'not-to-do' list
Many of us start the day with a to-do list, but recently I ran across a
suggestion to also have a not-to-do list. In other words, as well as
identifying those things we need to do, it can be useful to be aware of
those things we normally do, but that do not serve us well. The do-nots might
include: do not spend more than 30 minutes answering e-mail (or do not check
e-mail more than twice a day), do not let non-emergency things that come up
distract you from the most important things you set out to do today, and do
not give in to the tyranny of the telephone.
2. Everything is an opportunity to be creative
In How magazine, Mark Oldach writes, "No project is too small, insignificant
or boring for creative thinking. Forms, postcards, and newsletters all
provide opportunities for innovation. Every time I look at a project, I want
to maximise its impact and interest. I want to solicit a reaction - an
emotional reaction - from the audience or user." Oldach is writing from a
design perspective, but how could you apply this to some aspect of what you
do? It might be useful to look for one small thing today you can make more
appealing or interesting by applying your creativity.
3. Play trend poker
Andy Hines, who works as an "ideation leader" for Dow Chemical has invented
a game he calls Trend Poker, which you can play individually or in teams. On
index cards you write down the trends that affect your field as well as
general social trends. A general example might be, "Communication via e-mail
rather than written letters." An example specific to the field of writing
might be, "Increased interest in mind-body-spirit" topics." Then you mix
them up, deal them one at a time, and brainstorm ideas for new ideas for how
to do whatever you do.
For example, in response to the e-mail trend, a writer might come up with
the idea of a novel written entirely in the form of e-mails, or an interactive
on-line novel that requires the reader to answer a question in order to be
sent the next chapter. Playing trend poker is an enjoyable way to make sure
that you're keeping up with the latest developments in your field.
4. Bright idea: keep the instructions handy
If you received a new gizmo of some kind for Christmas, sometime in the
coming months you are likely to need to refer to the instructions or manual.
Here is a bright idea from Verco, the folks who make the Maya range of
office seating: each chair comes with a pocket under the seat where the instruction
can be kept permanently. You can adapt the idea by taping a plastic envelope
underneath or near the gadgets you use the most (fax machines, copy
machines, printers, etc.) to make sure the instructions do not go astray.
5. Stretch for relaxation
If, like me, you find yourself hunched over a keyboard much of the time, a
tip from Mens Health magazine may come in handy. Their advice: every few
hours, sit up straight, clasp your hands behind your back and lift them
straight up and hold for ten seconds. This will open your chest and relax
your shoulders and back. Give it a try now! If you want to make it a habit,
put it on your to-do list inbetween other items.
6. And fnally . . .
Sometimes there may be such a thing as too much creativity! Here's an item
from the Press Association: Welder Mike Madden, 48, is an amateur inventor.
He designed a "bird-feeding hat" -- a hat with a tray holding bird seed and
nuts -- and wore it himself on its inaugural test run near his home in West
Yorkshire, England. "I was out walking through the woods with my friend
Craig," he said. "Kaboom, I was on the floor. I didn't see much of what
happened but Craig told me he saw the squirrel flying through the air and
land right on my head." It attacked the food tray with such force that it
destroyed the headgear, and Madden is being treated for whiplash. "I've
always liked squirrels, but once you've had one land on your head traveling
about 30 mph you can easily go off them."
