Day 71 of The 100 Day Project: How to Get Ideas Shows That Creativity Is a Learnable Skill

Discover how to unlock your creativity and generate powerful ideas with Jack Foster’s practical guide, How to Get Ideas.

Have you ever thought, “I’m just not the creative type”? Jack Foster wants to change your mind. In How to Get Ideas, he breaks down the myth that creativity is a mysterious force reserved for artists and inventors. Instead, he argues that idea generation is a skill. And like any skill, it can be learned, practiced, and mastered.

This book is both practical and empowering. It’s not about having “eureka” moments, but about building the mindset that attracts ideas naturally. Foster shares that to become an “idea-prone” person, see the world with fresh eyes, feed your curiosity, and let go of the fear that holds you back.

Shift into an Idea-Prone Mindset

Foster emphasizes the importance of having fun. Playfulness loosens your thinking and invites unexpected connections. Think about how children operate. They don’t overthink, they explore. They ask “Why?” and try new things without worrying about being wrong. That childlike perspective is where creativity thrives.

Another powerful shift is to expect ideas. Foster says you are what you believe. If you believe ideas are all around you and you can discover them, your brain proves you right. Becoming “idea-prone” means acting like someone who expects to get ideas and who gathers enough inputs to make those ideas possible.

Creativity Loves Inputs and Constraints

Foster draws on James Webb Young’s concept that a new idea is a combination of old elements. So, the more “old elements” you collect — books, experiences, conversations — the more potential you have for original thinking. Want better ideas? Seek new inputs. Read outside your usual genres. Try a new hobby. Have a conversation with someone who thinks differently than you do.

Paradoxically, he also argues for the value of constraints. When you give yourself limited tools like MacGyver, you’re forced to get creative. Constraints remove some of the noise and push you to focus. Don’t be afraid to set creative limits and ask, “What can I do with just these resources?”

Rethink Your Thinking

One of the most practical sections of the book is about rethinking the way you think. Foster urges readers to explore visual thinking, lateral thinking (as pioneered by Edward de Bono), and boundaryless thinking. Most of us default to logical, linear thinking. But creative problem-solving often happens when you allow yourself to jump sideways, look at metaphors, or challenge hidden assumptions.

He also encourages rule-breaking, in moderation. Many breakthroughs come when people ignore conventions. What assumptions are you making about your problem or your industry that might not be true? Ask, “What if I did the opposite?”

The Five-Step Method for Producing Ideas

Foster closes the book with a step-by-step idea generation process:

Define the Problem: Get clear on what you’re trying to solve. Reframing the problem often reveals more solutions.
Gather Information: Mix general knowledge with specific facts. The right combination will create breakthroughs.
Search for the Idea: Don’t wait—start thinking, asking questions, combining elements, and imagining.
Forget About It: Step away. Let your subconscious take over while you focus on something else.
Act on the Idea: Ideas without execution are worthless. Test it, develop it, and give yourself deadlines.

Final Thoughts: Cultivate the Courage to Create

Perhaps the most inspiring message in How to Get Ideas is that courage is a core part of creativity. Fear of rejection, failure, or looking foolish will stifle even the best ideas. But when you allow yourself to fail, to explore, to try again, you open the door to innovation.

Creativity is not magic, it’s momentum. The more you act like a person who gets ideas, the more ideas you’ll get.

🟡 AOLLA Reflection Prompt:
What is one small, unconventional input you can explore this week to spark fresh thinking?

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Categories: : creativity, personal development, innovation, idea generation, leadership skills, mindset, productivity, problem solving