6 Simple Ways To Inspire New Ideas

In many cases, innovation and the generation of new ideas are essential for the continuous success of a business. This is not always the easiest of tasks however, and can take significant effort to inspire new ideas. If you’re finding yourself in the innovation equivalent of “writer’s block”, ensure you’ve considered the below six points. They can help put you back on track to creative idea generation, and an innovative company culture.

1. Regularly evaluate your goals  

When business plans and goals are created, they are written with the current market in mind. Although a time consuming task, it is important to revaluate goals on a regular basis to ensure that they are still relevant. This helps to analyse whether your business is continuing in the right direction, and whether your resources are being used most effectively. When goals are reset, new ideas and direction will be in mind, putting you back on track towards innovation.

2. Read widely 

While you may be a specialist in a particular area, there are bound to be business functions which are not your area of expertise. If you actively search for learning material in subject areas outside of your knowledge, you will be on track to inspire new ideas. Reading everything from academic journal articles to business related blogs ensures that you gain a wide perspective. The ideas of others also prompts you to question the way you do things, and can lead to revision of your own policies.

3. Have a mentor

No matter what stage of your career you are in, a mentor is always a positive business choice. Mentors can challenge you to question why things are done in a certain way, provide valuable advice, and in turn help to inspire new ideas. They also encourage you to think wider than usual, and assist with keeping you focused and on track to achieving your goals.

4. Exercise regularly

It is a commonly known fact that increased physical exercise can help to clear the mind and improve mental health. According to Brain HQ, physical exercise, especially aerobic exercise, can have positive effects on brain function on multiple levels. Even 20 minutes per day can facilitate information processing and memory functions. With a clear mind, you will approach your working day with greater clarity and in a better mind frame to inspire new ideas.

5. Take risks

While risk taking will push you outside your comfort zone, it is the lessons gained from this process which can help to inspire new ideas. Unfortunately somewhere along the way, failure is inevitable, however mistakes can actually be the key to better decision making in the future. As Mark Zuckerberg said, “The biggest risk is not taking any risk… In a world that is changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks”.

6. Commit to lifelong learning

Lifelong learning has been defined as “the ongoing, voluntary and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons”. This does not necessarily mean committing to a lengthy program – it simply means actively seeking out new knowledge. This can be in the form of attending professional networking events, seminars, reading, or participating in business chat forums. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and you will find that your new knowledge will inspire new ideas and viewpoints towards your business.

What do you think?

Is the generation of new ideas something that you and your business struggle with? I’d love to hear how you go about brainstorming, and where your inspiration comes from. Comment your methods of innovation below, and join the AIB conversation.

This article was written by Laura Hutton on behalf of the Australian Institute of Business. All opinions are that of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of AIB. The following sources were used to compile this article:
Brain HQ; BrainyQuotes; Wikipedia. 

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