I just finished reading Seth Godin’s “InSubordinate” – a 42-page eBook he’s written as an addendum to Linchpin. In one of the chapters, the one on Chip Conley and brainstorming – Seth talks about the importance of taking initiative, and how learning the art of brainstorming changed his life.
It reminded me of a game my mother taught my friends and me at my 8th birthday party – the one who could speak nonsense for the longest wins. The only rule was that you weren’t allowed to use any sentences that made sense, so words simply had to be jumbled up enough so as to not create real sentences – and for as long as possible.
Sounds easy.
Not.
It’s amazing how difficult it is. In fact, the very reason that I remember that birthday and that game, and even what I was wearing (a purple dress with a flounced skirt and polka dots) to this day is because of that game.
It was incredibly difficult.
It turns out that the structure and syntax of spoken language is so ingrained in us that to speak nonsensically at length is next to impossible. Letting go of the norm, thinking creatively on the spot, under pressure, releasing the rules – disconnecting with all you know how to do well – is like trying to climb a mountain backwards. Try it.
Well, to this day – I credit my mother for my ability to brainstorm at will and with ease. Because the very fact that I could disconnect language to the point of ridiculous meant that I learned how to reach into a part of my mind where things could connect differently from the norm – and for that, I will always be grateful.
Analysis, brainstorming, pushing the boundaries of the mind – it all starts with the ability to unhinge what we know as fact and to fantasize to a place where we’ve never been.
And how wonderful is that…
