1B. Response to Mitch Ditkoff's "14 Ways to Get Breakthrough Ideas"

"14 Ways to Get Breakthrough Ideas" was written for the people who struggle coming up with ideas or just get stuck.  After reading the article, which can be found here, I feel that anyone can spark their creativity by trying some of the things Ditkoff mentions.  Many of his techniques are simple things that can help anybody get creative.  Of the fourteen ways, there are three that I will respond to.


1. Follow your fascination: GOOD SUGGESTION I think this is a great way to come up with ideas.  It seems almost obvious that you will come up with better ideas with something you're passionate about than something you have no interest in.  That's why I chose to major in music production rather than something boring like Finance or Pre-Med.  I have a passion for music so I will be able to come up with ideas in this field more easily than the others.

10. Hang out with diverse groups of people: GOOD SUGGESTION  This is also a fantastic way to come up with new ideas.  Being with a diverse group of people means a diverse range of views and ideas.  This will definitely help you come up with ideas you may have never thought of yourself.  The way I would apply this to making music would be to listen to a wide range of artists and genres when trying to come up with ideas.  You can pull different ideas and instruments from each style and make it your own.


12. Look for happy accidents: BAD SUGGESTION  It's not that this is an awful suggestion, it's just that it isn't really a way that someone can do anything about.  An accident is just that- an accident.  There aren't really any contributing factors to it that you can actively work toward- it's just going to happen...maybe.  Bottom line is that as far as a way to come up with ideas, this shouldn't be included.

PROMPT: At the end of number 5, Ditkoff offers the reader this prompt: Think of a current challenge of yours. What would a fantasy solution to this challenge look like? What clues does this fantasy solution give you?

A current challenge in my life is keeping my grade point average at a 3.3 or higher to keep my scholarship.  A fantasy solution to this challenge would be me going to every class, taking great notes, and not procrastinating on projects and homework.  Some clues this gives me is that maybe I should start keeping an assignment book to keep track of my work that needs to be done.  I believe this will help me stay on top of my work and not get behind.