Keep “Comfortable Outfit” Handy for When You Need to Relax and Think
The office isn’t necessarily the best place to brainstorm great ideas. James Kerr, author of The Leadership Checklist , recommends keeping a small object with you that mentally takes you to another location.
Ideally, it should be something you can carry with you wherever you go, like a tennis ball to remind you of playing with your dog, or a Rubik’s cube to activate your mind and make it wander. Kerr says:
Have something small on your desk or briefcase so you can grab it when you need to relax and think. It can be a polished rock that resembles a beach you love to visit, or a golf shirt that is suggestive of an upcoming weekend — anything that distracts you from the problem you’re working on. I keep the yo-yo close at hand. Even if I’ve slept at a Starbucks, I can get up and try it whenever I need a red herring to help me break through.
One aspect of coming up with new ideas is allowing your subconscious mind to process information and make connections that can be triggered by not actively thinking about your problem. I’ve found that the tactile nature of pleasant little things also helps me engage other senses instead of sitting back and thinking. This is a good break from your routine.
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