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3 Surprising Ways to Create More Ideas Than Your Business Will Ever Need

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Joel Brown

You’ve been waiting for that light bulb moment for so long that you’re worried it’s never going to come. It’s not that your old ideas aren’t good enough, they just aren’t working. And you know that if you’re going to stop your business from stagnating, inspiration has to strike soon.

Don’t worry, it’s not your fault. It’s easy to feel disheartened when the creative juices stop flowing. And nobody wants to be the victim of a creative rut that’s impossible to escape. But fortunately for you, this frustrating mental block is easier to break through than you might expect.

Here are 3 surprising psychological principles you can use to create more ideas than your business will ever need:

1. Stop Looking For New Ideas

Most people think that creativity involves coming up with new and original ideas. After all, it’s impossible to be inventive if you just keep reusing the same old thinking patterns, right? Actually evolutionary psychology disagrees.

According to professor Jakob Hohwy, the human brain is inherently predictive. In other words, we’re exceptionally good at using past experiences to predict the outcomes of events we haven’t encountered before.

We do this through a cognitive bias known as anchoring – a subconscious tendency to focus on the first piece of information we’re exposed to, and use it to influence our subsequent decisions.

Anchoring gives the appearance that we’re excellent at creating new ideas, when in fact we’re just recycling old ones and adapting them to contexts in which they haven’t been used before.

Creativity is therefore not about creating new ideas. It’s about constantly evolving and modifying old ideas to fit new situations. And that’s a good thing because it means you don’t need to stress every time you hit a roadblock.

Instead, relax and focus on the successful ideas you’ve implemented in the past. There’s a strong possibility that they’ll work for you again if you give them a slight tweak.

“To really boost your sense of self-efficacy, think of ways you could modify your usual tasks to suit your personal style.” – Martha Beck

2. Trick Your Brain With Psychological Distancing

Creativity is not a personality trait (despite what you might have heard). Yes, it’s true that some people possess a greater natural propensity for creative thought than others. But creativity is a skill that can be developed like any other.

In fact, psychology researchers from the University of Tel Aviv suggest that creativity has as much to do with the internal workings of our brain, as it does with the context in which the thinking takes place.

And they’ve come up with a clever brain hack. We can enhance our creativity by changing the way we mentally perceive our environment using a phenomenon know as psychological distancing.

Here’s how it works. Psychological distancing involves imagining that an object is further away from you than it actually is. And this forces your brain to represent it abstractly.

You’re now working with a mental representation of the object – rather than a concrete one that influences your perception of it through distinct physical characteristics (sight, sound, touch ect).

Psychologists suggest that humans can easily form unexpected connections between abstract thoughts using a process known as divergent thinking. But that’s not the case for objects we see in front of us because their physical attributes bias our thinking.

However, being forced to think abstractly about these same objects strips away this bias, and makes it easier to draw comparisons between objects that are seemingly unrelated.

So the next time you’re struggling to ignite your creative spark, simply change the way you perceive the things around you. You’ll be surprised at the unusual connections you can make between objects that once appeared to be mundane.

 

3. Expand Your Mind With Positive Thinking

Let’s be honest, the term “positive thinking” has a bad reputation. It’s overused, it’s ambiguous, and it’s lost its credibility. But while these criticisms are certainly well deserved, science suggests that positive thinking (or more specifically the positive emotions it promotes) can actually physically affect our brain.

Psychology professor Barbara Fredrickson states that humans experience two different types of emotions, negative and positive; each with their own set of catalysts.

Negative emotions like fear, stress and anger occur in response to perceived threats. And in threatening situations we’ve been evolutionarily programmed to focus our thoughts on a single, impulsive course of action; the fight or flight response.

This forces our brains to make immediate, instinctive judgements. That means that we perform specific actions while subconsciously ignoring a whole variety of alternatives. But while this narrow focus is a great survival mechanism, it sucks for creative thinking because it obscures a whole spectrum of potential choices.

On the other hand, professor Fredrickson suggests that positive emotions are catalysts for considered, thoughtful action. That’s because they aren’t associated with imminent danger or the impulsive responses that come with them.

Therefore, if you’re able to consistently evoke positive emotions and suppress the influences of negative ones, you’ll become significantly more perceptive than the less cheerful people around you.

So the next time you’re stuck in a creative slump, remember that sometimes a simple change in attitude is all you need to grasp ideas that might have been in front of you all along.

“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.” – Willie Nelson

4. Ignite Your Creative Engine

The only thing more disheartening than a bad idea is not being able to come up with an idea in the first pace. Sure, it can be scary when the creative sparks stop firing. Especially when the success of your business relies on consistent and original thinking. But everybody has their slow days. Even the most creative minds in the world need a break sometimes.

Using just one of these surprising creativity insights should reignite your creative spirits, get you back on your feet, and give you the confidence you need to drive the innovation that your business so desperately deserves.

How do you keep your creative juices flowing? Leave your thoughts below!
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Startups

How to Build Your Dream Tech Startup Team

Are you starting a startup business? Look to build a tech team for your “newborn organization,” and check out this article for useful tips.

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Image Credit: Midjourney

Building a tech startup in today’s competitive market is a daunting task. While an innovative software business idea is considered a great foundation for success, it is not a guarantee. Instead, how you build your tech startup team plays a crucial role in determining the ultimate success of a venture. (more…)

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15 Business Lessons From Napoleon’s Playbook

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Business Lessons and strategies from Napoleon Bonaparte for Entrepreneurs and CEO's
Image Credit | Joel Brown

Unleash your business potential by harnessing Napoleon’s strategic genius.

From dreaming big and thinking bold to moving fast and staying agile, these time-tested tactics are your blueprint for success.

Learn how creative leadership, detailed planning, and relentless execution can transform your business landscape. Boost morale, lead with clarity, and embrace hard work to conquer your industry.

Don’t just survive—thrive with the power of Napoleon’s lessons.

Here are 15 Powerful Lessons You Can Learn From Napoleon Bonaparte

 

1. Dream Big, Think Bold

Napoleon wasn’t just playing small; he believed that “Imagination rules the world.” In the business world, boldness and creativity are game-changers. Don’t just aim to fit in—push boundaries and set ambitious goals that make you stand out.

Think of Steve Jobs, who didn’t just want to make computers; he wanted to revolutionize entire industries. Your vision should be so grand it almost feels unreachable. When you dream big, you inspire those around you to believe in the impossible and work together to achieve extraordinary outcomes.

2. Move Fast, Stay Agile

Napoleon’s quick and secretive moves gave him an edge. In business, you gotta be nimble. Adapt quickly, move fast, and you’ll often find yourself ahead of the game, capturing opportunities your competitors miss.

Companies like Amazon and Tesla thrive because they constantly innovate and pivot when needed. Speed is your friend; it allows you to react to market changes and customer demands faster than the competition, ensuring you remain relevant and ahead of the curve.

3. Creative Leadership

Napoleon thrived on chaos and wasn’t afraid to switch things up. Unlike rigid leaders, he was flexible and adaptive. In business, embrace change and let chaos work for you. Being adaptable can turn unpredictable situations into opportunities.

Think of how Netflix transitioned from DVD rentals to a streaming giant. Flexibility and creativity in leadership allow you to navigate through turmoil and emerge stronger, transforming challenges into stepping stones.

 

4. Organize Like a Pro

Napoleon’s mind was like a supercomputer, processing vast amounts of info to make smart moves. Businesses should do the same—stay organized, use real-time data, and adapt strategies based on fresh insights to keep that competitive edge.

Utilize modern tools like CRM systems, analytics software, and AI to manage information efficiently. Staying organized and informed means you can make better decisions, foresee potential issues, and react promptly.

 

5. Keep It Simple

Napoleon knew the power of simplicity. Overcomplicating things can bog you down. In business, streamline processes and focus on what truly matters to hit your goals efficiently.

Apple’s product design philosophy under Jobs was about simplicity and user-friendliness.When you remove unnecessary complexity, you reduce errors, speed up processes, and make it easier for your team to focus on what’s important, driving efficiency and effectiveness.

 

6. Execute Relentlessly

Once Napoleon decided on a course of action, he went all in. In business, once you pick a direction, pursue it with full commitment. Execution is where success is truly made.

Look at how Elon Musk commits to his vision for SpaceX and Tesla. Relentless execution means overcoming obstacles, staying focused on your goals, and not getting distracted by setbacks. It’s the determination and persistence in execution that ultimately leads to triumph.

 

7. Play to Your Strengths

Napoleon only fought battles he knew he could win. In business, focus on your strengths and avoid head-to-head fights in areas where you’re weak. Know your advantages and leverage them.

Microsoft leverages its strength in software development and cloud services rather than trying to compete directly in hardware. Understanding and maximizing your strengths ensures you play a game you can win, using your unique capabilities to outshine competitors.

 

8. Plan in Detail

Napoleon planned for every possible scenario. Businesses should do the same—conduct thorough planning and prepare for various outcomes.

Detailed planning helps you stay ready for anything. Scenario planning and SWOT analysis are tools that can help you foresee different futures and prepare accordingly. When you’re prepared for multiple scenarios, you can adapt smoothly and continue to drive forward, no matter what challenges arise.

 

9. Seize Opportunities

Napoleon saw luck as the ability to capitalize on accidents. In business, be prepared and ready to grab unexpected opportunities. Agility is key.

Companies like Uber and Airbnb seized gaps in the market by being ready to pounce on opportunities when they arose. Always be on the lookout for opportunities, and when they come, don’t hesitate. Preparation and readiness to act quickly can turn unexpected moments into major breakthroughs.

 

10. Learn from the Past

Napoleon studied the greats who came before him. Entrepreneurs should always be learning from the successes and failures of others. History is full of lessons waiting to be applied.

Warren Buffett is famous for studying businesses and market histories. By learning from the past, you can avoid repeating mistakes, understand what works, and build on proven strategies. Continuous learning from history helps refine your strategies and improve decision-making.

 

11. Boost Morale

Napoleon knew how to keep his troops motivated. Business leaders should do the same—keep your team inspired and engaged. High morale leads to high productivity.

Companies like Google and Salesforce invest heavily in employee well-being and motivation. When your team feels valued and motivated, they are more productive, innovative, and loyal. High morale fosters a positive work environment where people are excited to contribute and excel.

 

12. Lead with Clarity

Napoleon believed in the power of a strong, decisive leader. In business, clear direction and strong leadership are crucial. Ensure everyone knows the plan and follows it.

Leaders like Jeff Bezos provide a clear vision and direction, ensuring their teams know what they’re working towards. Clear, decisive leadership aligns your team, fosters trust, and drives coordinated efforts towards achieving your business goals.

 

13. Reflect on Failures

Napoleon analyzed both his wins and losses. Businesses should review their successes and failures to keep improving. Learn from mistakes to avoid repeating them.

Ray Dalio of Bridgewater Associates emphasizes the importance of learning from failure in his book Principles. By conducting post-mortems, you can understand what went wrong, make necessary adjustments, and continuously refine your strategies to avoid future pitfalls and drive success.

 

14. Action-Oriented

Napoleon was all about turning thoughts into actions. In business, decisiveness and execution are vital. Don’t just plan—act on those plans with energy and determination.

Entrepreneurs like Richard Branson embody this principle by constantly moving from ideas to actions. Action orientation ensures that you don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis but instead drive forward, making things happen and turning visions into reality.

 

15. Embrace Hard Work

Napoleon lived and breathed work, saying, “Work is my element; I am born and built for work.”

In business, a strong work ethic and relentless dedication are key to success. Think of how Howard Schultz rebuilt Starbucks through sheer hard work and determination. Embracing hard work means being willing to put in the necessary effort, staying dedicated to your mission, and continuously pushing towards your goals, no matter the challenges.

 

By implementing these lessons from Napoleon, businesses can sharpen their strategies, strengthen leadership, and execute with precision, driving sustained success.

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How to Manage Your Startup’s Finances More Efficiently

No matter how groundbreaking your product or service, your startup could quickly be on shaky ground without proper financial management

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Running a triumphant startup requires juggling numerous responsibilities. From managing operations and coordinating with team members to developing innovative marketing strategies and nurturing relationships with clients, the to-do list seems endless. (more…)

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5 Strategic Power Moves to Successfully Build Your Empire

Transitioning from idea to empire is a journey of strategic planning, execution, and constant evolution

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The journey from a fledgling idea to a thriving empire is both exhilarating and daunting. The Startup Launchpad is not just a process but also a strategic framework that enables visionary entrepreneurs to become market leaders. This framework comprises five power moves, each a critical steppingstone in building a successful business.

These moves—Ideation, Business Plan, Online Presence, Strategic Marketing, and Launch and Growth—are the blueprint for turning aspirations into achievements. (more…)

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