I recently wrapped up a book called Accidental Creative by Todd Henry. The book’s subtitle is How to Be Brilliant at a Moment’s Notice. The book did not disappoint.
What I love about the book are the tips and tricks that Todd teaches you. He goes step-by-step from theory to life application.
The book has helped me implement a few things in my life. Here are my Top 5.
- Use Index Cards for EVERYTHING – This is something I was already doing so the book helped solidify that. I have index cards in my books, notebooks, pant pockets, by the toilet (cause we all know that’s where most good ideas come from). Bottom line buy some notecards and start putting them to use. There is something about handwriting ideas down.
- Scheduling Idea Time – What Todd talks about is having structure in your life where you can be creative. This needs to be dedicated time that is all about thinking up ideas.
- Getting Outside My Cube – I love my office but sometimes it can be more distracting than I’d like. Going to the library, a coffee shop, somewhere else can help spark creativity in my life.
- A Circle of Trust – Todd talks about this idea of a personal board of directors. People use trust in your life that can help direct it. Kind of a crazy idea, but I like it. Working on building that circle now.
- Personal Study Plan – Each quarter I’m going to pick a new skill and focus on that. For the next 3 months I’m dedicated a lot of time to copy-writing and swimming.
I read a lot of books and don’t recommend most of them. This one I do. It’s great. You’ll like it. And you can thank me later, with a lunch, on you … just not during my idea time. :)
I just finished this book and am going to read it a second time! I’ve started carrying the index cards and find it very helpful. I went to hear Todd speak when he was in Canton, Ohio last month. He made me face the fact that I check my email (and in my case Twitter and Facebook) accounts too often and that it interferes with the thought process and is a BIG time waster. I’m working on breaking that habit. I may be writing about him and his book also in my blog next month, I hope you don’t mind :)