Think and write your way to creativity
Takeo Higuchi, the creator of the Idea Marathon System, recommends a journal that is the same size as Thomas Edison’s. In Europe, the journal is an A5 size. In the United States, it should be about 6 inches by 8 inches. If you cannot find the exact dimensions, that is okay – just get close.
Keep one line between ideas, and only put a maximum of five ideas on any one page.
Every idea should have a drawing that accompanies it. Drawing is important because it accesses the visual part of your brain. Higuchi says that after about two years of doing this, you will think in pictures before words, and drawing is easier.
Use both the front and back, and keep in mind that you will want to scan these in as a pdf file as a backup.
Come up with a concrete theme. “You have to have your own creative interest issue,” says Higuchi.
The ideas should be organized chronologically and take up the entire width of the page.
Write the date, and number your ideas. You will also want to give yourself pluses when you come up with more than one idea in a day. It should look something like this:
11 Nov. 2014 001 0
Idea One Drawing
11 Nov. 2014 002 +1
Idea Two Drawing
11 Nov. 2014 003 +2
Idea Three Drawing
If you miss a day, you would have to subtract from your plus minus total. It is important to come up with one idea every day, especially when you are starting the habit, but if you have a bank you can draw on, then you may be able to miss a day or two.
After three months, your creativity will increase between 15 and 16 percent on average.
For more Higuchi, read about his thoughts on the Idea Marathon System
Keep one line between ideas, and only put a maximum of five ideas on any one page.
Every idea should have a drawing that accompanies it. Drawing is important because it accesses the visual part of your brain. Higuchi says that after about two years of doing this, you will think in pictures before words, and drawing is easier.
Use both the front and back, and keep in mind that you will want to scan these in as a pdf file as a backup.
Come up with a concrete theme. “You have to have your own creative interest issue,” says Higuchi.
The ideas should be organized chronologically and take up the entire width of the page.
Write the date, and number your ideas. You will also want to give yourself pluses when you come up with more than one idea in a day. It should look something like this:
11 Nov. 2014 001 0
Idea One Drawing
11 Nov. 2014 002 +1
Idea Two Drawing
11 Nov. 2014 003 +2
Idea Three Drawing
If you miss a day, you would have to subtract from your plus minus total. It is important to come up with one idea every day, especially when you are starting the habit, but if you have a bank you can draw on, then you may be able to miss a day or two.
After three months, your creativity will increase between 15 and 16 percent on average.
For more Higuchi, read about his thoughts on the Idea Marathon System