4 Ways to Think of Original Ideas 🚀

What's up, Next Gen Fam!

Collecting ideas from others can make you more creative. But what if we want to come up with fresh ideas from scratch? 

The key is to avoid popular thinking and look inwards. We all have the ability. This week, we're covering easy tips to foster original ideas.

Let's dive in!

TIPS

#1: Feed your curiosity. 

Curiosity is the rod that catches original ideas. To cultivate curiosity, ask yourself: "What is a niche I'm oddly interested in?" Google the first topic that comes to mind, then let your mind run free. If you aren't super into any topic at first, don't stress. The more you indulge your curiosity, the more excited you'll get. 

#2: Engage with diverse thinkers.  

The people around you tend to shape your worldview. If you seek out diverse thinkers — from both the past and present — you're likely to come up with surprising ideas of your own. So, read a famous autobiography. Ask your Uber driver about his life story. Watch a history show and get inside the heads of those from the past. Try to learn about as many worlds as you can!

#3: Review your content consumption. 

Paul Graham has a simple tactic for coming up with original ideas: "Be less aware of what the conventional beliefs are. It's hard to be conformist if you don't know what to conform to." Since people are shaped by the content they consume, review your inputs. Look at the shows you watch or the influencers you follow. Then, consider dropping those that taint your worldview.  

#4: Be a healthy skeptic. 

Every time you hear a new idea, examine the concept before you come to accept or reject it. For example: If someone tells you that pursuing your passion is more important than supporting your community, stop and ask yourself: "Is that true? Do I believe that?" The goal is not to find flaws in things you're told, but to discover ideas that were initially concealed.

QUESTION FOR YOU

What is something I believe that most people don't?

OPPORTUNITIES

• 🎤 Creative Artists Agency, the premier talent and sports firm, is seeking a Strategy Associate.

• 📸 Adobe, the renowned multimedia company, is hiring Product Management Interns for the Summer 2023.

• 🦜 Parrot, an AI-firm focused on evolving legal court proceedings, is looking for a Strategy and Ops Associate.

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