More and more research is indicating that shorter, high intensity physical workouts (e.g. touch football) are more beneficial than longer, lower intensity sessions (e.g. walking).
I wonder if the same applies to mental workouts?
I wonder if shorter, sharper creativity sessions might also be better than a long, thoughtful one?
I suspect that the answer might be yes if our experience is any guide.
I have developed a new, mini-brainstorming tool called Ideas Blitz.
It works on the same principle as a high intensity physical workout.
You start by trying to create 9 ideas or possibilities to a challenge in 2 minutes.
If you are working in a group each person starts by themselves then comes together with a partner for the remaining steps.
It’s a real mental sprint.
The aim is to try and reach the 9 ideas without filtering or judging your responses.
You then can follow the other 4 steps (i.e. enhance, connect, evaluate and action) all completed quickly.
Life is not an even jog
People often say that they do not have time to do the recommended 30 to 60 minutes of physical exercise a day.
Likewise many managers and leaders also say that they do not have time to think creatively.
But the latest exercise findings suggest that in fact, shorter, more intense sessions are a more effective way to go anyway and they are a better fit with a time-poor life.
My experience is that life is not an even jog.
There are sprints and lulls.
Sometimes a report or homework is due and you have to increase the pace at which you have to work to get the job done.
The Ideas Blitz tool provides the perfect way to accelerate your thinking and productivity.
Rather than wait for a deadline to accelerate your thinking it would be better to mentally sprint a few times a day.
Perhaps like your physical muscle your mental or brain muscle would also grow and expand.
Try it.
Select a problem, opportunity, issue or barrier and Blitz it either by yourself, with a partner or a small group (up to 6 people).
It is the best way I know of exercising your creativity — everyday.