How to Brainstorm with a Vengeance When You’re Stuck on a Task

Ever been stuck with a task that seemed too big to manage? No matter what angle you look at it from, you can’t find a place to start, and for all the world it appears you’ll never get anywhere with it? We all have. The good news is that – no matter how ungainly a task – brainstorming can be a great way to get a foothold on an assignment. Whether you’re pouring over the logistics of a secured-business loan, planning a wedding, or starting your own business these tips can help you get any project off the ground.

Don’t start at the “beginning” – start where you find the assignment to be most manageable. Just like taking a test. There’s no need to do it “in order.” Do it how you feel most comfortable.

Blab about it – most people are naturally inclined to lend an ear to a problem. Even if your coworkers are unavailable or unwilling to help, simply bouncing ideas off a disinterested party can be a great way to get the juices flowing.

Take a Walk endorphins are your friend. Get yourself a natural high going, it’ll make a big difference.

Procrastinate – no, not for days or weeks, but focusing on another project you’ve got going on isn’t a bad use of your time. And when you come back to the troublesome assignment, you’ll likely gain some perspective. Time and space matter when working, so don’t be afraid to take a break if a task has got you too stressed out.

Do it wrong – sometimes just starting on a project – no matter how poor your first attempts are – will give you the key to getting it right in the end. Thomas Edison said he learned ten thousand ways NOT to make a lightbulb before he finally stumbled across the answer. Be like Edison; do your worst and eventually your worst will be pretty darn good.

Sleep – it can be tempting once you’ve set a deadline for yourself to crank out a flawed product late into the night. Don’t do it. Even a few hours of sleep will give you fresh eyes and your brain some much-needed rest.

In the end these are starting points to brainstorming, but the most important thing is your will. If you want to get something done, and put the application toward it, chances are you’ll succeed. No matter how daunting the initial outlook is.

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