How to Learn to Generate Ideas Anywhere and Anytime
Don't wait for inspiration. Use a simple technique to come up with good ideas whenever you need them.
How do writers, artists, and musicians get their ideas? People have asked this question for thousands of years. In Greek mythology, the Muses were goddesses that inspired songs, poetry, and art. Many still think that a writer's block means the muse has left them.
There is a common belief that creativity happens randomly. People think it either hits you suddenly or never occurs. But this is not true. You can come up with ideas anytime and anywhere. One way to do this is through the fusion method.
The fusion method is about connecting different ideas to create new ones. It’s a normal process, but no one is sure who first called it that. Some say science writer Matt Ridley first talked about it at a TED event in 2010. He used the metaphor of “idea sex” to explain how ideas combine.
The phrase became popular, thanks to authors like James Altucher. Since then, many writers have used “idea fusion” to describe this kind of creativity.
So, what’s the difference between inspiration and fusion? Inspiration is passive. It’s something that comes to you randomly. You can’t make it happen or control when it appears. If you’re not inspired, you might feel stressed or stuck. Sometimes, the only solution is to take a break or go for a walk.
Fusion is active. It means you choose to combine ideas and see what happens. You can set up a system that makes mixing ideas easier. This way, it’s simpler to think of new ideas anytime, anywhere.
Using this approach makes you more aware of what you already have. Instead of waiting for the muse, you look at your existing ideas and find new ways to change them into something fresh.
To make ideas merge, the original ideas need to stay close enough for a while. Taking notes regularly is very helpful for this method. Here are three key points to remember.
First, before writing down a new idea, check if it links to any idea you’ve already written. If it’s connected, put them in the same list or folder. If it’s not clear at first, take a few minutes to find a link. If nothing comes to mind, just skip that idea.
For example, you think about fixing up an old closet but don’t know how. Then, you get the idea to use space under the bed for storage. Writing both ideas together might help you think of a solution, like adding wheels to drawers to make them easier to move.
Second, regularly review your saved ideas. Look for new ways they could connect. Mind maps can help you see how ideas relate, which might spark new ideas.
Third, remember that ideas are not fixed. If you see that one idea no longer works when you combine it, change or improve it. Some people find it easier to write down their thoughts and update them later.