Brainstorming 101: All You Need to Know about Brainstorming

There were plenty of things we did in school that we thought we’d never use again. For instance, you probably haven’t entertained thoughts quadratic equations lately or, for that matter, attempted to climb a rope in your gym shorts. But one thing that has proven to still be useful is brainstorming!

Two people brainstorming using a whiteboard.

You might not realize it, but you’re brainstorming anytime you’re trying to plan meals for the week, jot down notes on-the-go about your kid’s birthday party,or come up with ideas for that surprise anniversary present. For some of us, it’s been a while since we’ve done active brainstorming. So, let’s take a look at what brainstorming is, when and why to give it a try, and how to do it effectively.

What is brainstorming? Brainstorming is an activity where you work individually or as a group to come up with ideas to solve problems. A good brainstorming session is like throwing ideas against the wall and seeing what sticks. It’s a great way to start working through ideas to find a solution for just about anything.

Why is brainstorming good? Brainstorming is a great way to approach a problem by thinking outside the box. Too often we pigeonhole ourselves into the same safe ideas or solutions. While these can be effective, finding new and creative ways to solve problems is important because the same old solutions won’t always work. Using brainstorming techniques to come up with new ideas—and inviting everyone along for the ride—can open up a whole new world of opportunities for you.

When should brainstorming be used? Use brainstorming for any problem you want to solve. You don’t have to be weighing your options with a cross-country move or change in career. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find some amazing new ideas for something as simple as those boring chicken dinner dishes, or as complex as wedding planning. But don’t limit your ideas to big decisions. Sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference.

A small group of people brainstorming around a laptop.

“Sometimes the most outrageous or unrealistic ideas can lead to the best ideas in the end.”

What is the best way to brainstorm? One of the best things about brainstorming is that there’s not a “best way” to do it. We all think differently and get our brains going in different ways. However, a few things you can keep in mind when brainstorming will help you get the ball rolling and stay on track.

There’s no such thing as a bad idea. Improbability and impracticality get thrown out the window during a brainstorming session. Sometimes the most outrageous or unrealistic ideas can lead to the best ideas in the end. Don’t hold back a thought you have during a brainstorming session because it seems silly or unattainable. You can always evolve a terrible idea into something great. Imagine if Amazon had simply stayed an online bookstore. You could be leaving loads of untapped potential on the table.
Leave no notes behind. Brainstorming should be thought of as throwing everything against the wall and seeing what sticks. Take note of every idea or snarky comment that’s made during a brainstorming session. You never know when one of your best ideas is the result of something that started out as impractical.
Embrace all things new. One of the best reasons to brainstorm is to get out of your same old rut. Maybe you’re tired of your old workout routine and want to try something new. Don’t rule out things like acro aerobics, hot yoga, or rock climbing simply because they’re out of your comfort zone. Maybe you’ll find that there’s an adult beginner’s tumbling class nearby that you would never have found if you didn’t have the idea. Then you can finally cross “do a cartwheel” off your bucket list without ever touching the trapeze in the gym.
Change your process. We all have our favorite way of solving a problem. From pros and cons lists to Venn diagrams to free-flowing lists, everybody has something that works best for them. Don’t be afraid to mix things up a little bit. Try using different brainstorming tools or methods for jogging a different part of your brain to tap into new ideas you never thought you’d have. (Though it might be overkill to have a brainstorming session to figure out how you want to conduct your brainstorming session.)

Brainstorming may be the only situation where quantity over quality can actually be a good thing! So, the more ideas you come up with—the better chance you have of finding innovative solutions. And how you go about brainstorming is up to you. Whether you’re throwing paper ideas into a pile on the floor, drawing and sharing a virtual diagram, or using a good, old-fashioned whiteboard—exciting things are about to happen.