New Year Brainstorm

1. Make a 'not-to-do' list

Many of us start the day with a to-do list, but recently I ran across a

suggestion to also have a not-to-do list. In other words, as well as

identifying those things we need to do, it can be useful to be aware of

those things we normally do, but that do not serve us well. The do-nots might

include: do not spend more than 30 minutes answering e-mail (or do not check

e-mail more than twice a day), do not let non-emergency things that come up

distract you from the most important things you set out to do today, and do

not give in to the tyranny of the telephone.

2. Everything is an opportunity to be creative

In How magazine, Mark Oldach writes, "No project is too small, insignificant

or boring for creative thinking. Forms, postcards, and newsletters all

provide opportunities for innovation. Every time I look at a project, I want

to maximise its impact and interest. I want to solicit a reaction - an

emotional reaction - from the audience or user." Oldach is writing from a

design perspective, but how could you apply this to some aspect of what you

do? It might be useful to look for one small thing today you can make more

appealing or interesting by applying your creativity.

3. Play trend poker

Andy Hines, who works as an "ideation leader" for Dow Chemical has invented

a game he calls Trend Poker, which you can play individually or in teams. On

index cards you write down the trends that affect your field as well as

general social trends. A general example might be, "Communication via e-mail

rather than written letters." An example specific to the field of writing

might be, "Increased interest in mind-body-spirit" topics." Then you mix

them up, deal them one at a time, and brainstorm ideas for new ideas for how

to do whatever you do.

For example, in response to the e-mail trend, a writer might come up with

the idea of a novel written entirely in the form of e-mails, or an interactive

on-line novel that requires the reader to answer a question in order to be

sent the next chapter. Playing trend poker is an enjoyable way to make sure

that you're keeping up with the latest developments in your field.

4. Bright idea: keep the instructions handy

If you received a new gizmo of some kind for Christmas, sometime in the

coming months you are likely to need to refer to the instructions or manual.

Here is a bright idea from Verco, the folks who make the Maya range of

office seating: each chair comes with a pocket under the seat where the instruction

can be kept permanently. You can adapt the idea by taping a plastic envelope

underneath or near the gadgets you use the most (fax machines, copy

machines, printers, etc.) to make sure the instructions do not go astray.

5. Stretch for relaxation

If, like me, you find yourself hunched over a keyboard much of the time, a

tip from Mens Health magazine may come in handy. Their advice: every few

hours, sit up straight, clasp your hands behind your back and lift them

straight up and hold for ten seconds. This will open your chest and relax

your shoulders and back. Give it a try now! If you want to make it a habit,

put it on your to-do list inbetween other items.

6. And fnally . . .

Sometimes there may be such a thing as too much creativity! Here's an item

from the Press Association: Welder Mike Madden, 48, is an amateur inventor.

He designed a "bird-feeding hat" -- a hat with a tray holding bird seed and

nuts -- and wore it himself on its inaugural test run near his home in West

Yorkshire, England. "I was out walking through the woods with my friend

Craig," he said. "Kaboom, I was on the floor. I didn't see much of what

happened but Craig told me he saw the squirrel flying through the air and

land right on my head." It attacked the food tray with such force that it

destroyed the headgear, and Madden is being treated for whiplash. "I've

always liked squirrels, but once you've had one land on your head traveling

about 30 mph you can easily go off them."