Procrastinator's Guide to Developing Genius Ideas

I find it easier to develop ideas when the topic is something I know a lot about or am really interested in.

The more you know about something the easier it is to garner ideas to build up your topic.

• Try to find or research an interesting topic

This isn't always possible though and I understand that it may be difficult to think of ideas on topics that disinterest you, but if you do have the option to pick your own topic, then pick a topic that you're passionate about.

Are you going to write about business marketing when you don't even have a clue what it's about?

Unless your job demands it, then that topic wouldn't make any sense. You can never go wrong when you pick passion and interest over the mundane. It's a great first step that I've learned from my professors, and it shouldn't be forgotten.

Did you ever have to do one of those brainstorming webs at school?

On every essay assignment I always had to spend at least 10-15 minutes plotting down ideas and points about my topic.

Most of the time I wrote down anything even if it had nothing to do with the topic to make my teachers happy plus a higher grade of course.

The truth is that brainstorming webs don't work!

Drawing a huge web and plotting down points is ineffective because you'll likely never use any of those points, and the ones you use are already ideas you were going to apply anyway.

Instead of drawing a web why not create a list of ideas using bullet points.

You can't go wrong with that and it doesn't take that long, however; the main focus is to keep your thoughts and ideas related to the topic.

There's no need to go beyond the main idea because it's counterproductive and won't do you any good.

Keep it on the topic and concentrate.

Go back to the main topic and ask yourself what are you trying to accomplish.

As a writer you have to generate a title and create content accordingly, but you cannot veer off. The more you jolt into different directions, the less cohesive your piece will become.

If I use the title of this article and start talking about punctuation techniques and historical figures, then it'll confuse the reader and destroy my argument.

People often have ideas because they want to accomplish something but don't know exactly what they're trying to achieve.

This ties into the idea that picking a topic you're familiar with will be easier to write because you know what you're shooting for, but what if that's not an option.

In that situation, the purpose doesn't change but additional resources or research is required. Once you've done your research, then proceed as you would normally.

The best thing about brainstorming is that you can be creative in your approach.

You can choose to ignore people's ideas and do something else. There's no limit to what you can and can't do when it comes to innovative thought.

• Creation equals innovation

As long as it's done in a safe and healthy environment then I'll never judge anyone's thinking process. In fact, I usually take notes and learn more from them.

We can take things from other people and use their methods for brainstorming. And yes it's okay to take brainstorming tactics from other people as I don't think there's a law against it.

• Just don't plagiarize please!

People should choose whatever method works for them because it varies for everyone. Why would you choose a prescribed method if the results always ended up being terrible?

I do believe creation equals innovation and in the case of brainstorming, the creation of ideas equals better results.

Routine keeps us in line and makes the day go by smoothly.

Without routine we'd be out of control and running rampant, so applying routine to the brainstorming process will make things easier for you.

Over time it'll also make things quicker. I realize routines may be viewed as boring and uninspiring, but they can also speed up the thought process and give your mind clarity.

• If you know what to do each time, then things will get simpler.

Remember that even though the routine process is the same, you'll be working with new ideas each time. It's not the worst thing to follow procedure every time you have a new topic, and the goal is receiving faster results, right?

This is not for everybody, but it can be a major time saver.

Say you only have a couple ideas and don't want to waste anymore time thinking about additional ideas.

Well then how about you start incorporating the ideas you do have until you come up with more of them. It helps to jot down new ideas that come to mind while working on a project and plug them in later.

For those that can't multitask, there are tools and apps you can use to help you. Most of us have a notepad or memo app on our phones, and it's great for storing thoughts throughout the day because you never know when they'll come in handy.

Unfortunately sometimes you can't incorporate new ideas or change your original ideas because it's either way too costly and/or can't be done, but that shouldn't stop you from trying.

How much time can you save by multitasking?

The time saved could be substantial through multitasking because ideas are always popping in and out no matter what you're working on.

For example, I always save my notes either physically or digitally because it works for me.

I can always pull them out and use them whenever I need to whether it's changing something I'm working on or creating something entirely different. That's why you should always add a secondary layer to your brainstorming technique because it makes the process a lot easier.

The more information you have, the better for you and your project/s.

Don't ignore ideas, embrace them and store them for future use.

The ability to brainstorm quickly may be beneficial in other areas.

You'll gain the ability to rapidly process information and navigate through the main topic right away. You'll also be able to organize your thoughts better and deepen your focus.

These abilities can be applied to any part of your life especially the work place and in school. Teachers and employers love when their students and employees display the ability to concentrate because better concentration means better production.

They'll also appreciate that you're working at a faster pace and can generate a plethora of topics within minutes.

You'll also be able to think quicker on your feet and fixate intensely on personal projects and life decisions. Brainstorming doesn't have to be a dreadful subject and for writers it can combat writer's block.

Brainstorming is essential to our professional and private lives and now it doesn't have to take long to do.

You'll thank yourself when the results end up successful.