Creativity Tip: Think Backwards
Wednesday, August 4th, 2010
Sometimes all you need is a different perspective to get some good ideas.
Think Backwards
In the early 60’s the FCC was concerned that some of the quiz shows had supplied contestants the answers (remember the movie the Quiz Show?)
Julann and Merv Griffin were on a plane to New York and she suggested that they give the contestants the answers and they guess the questions. They had their concept of the show by the time the plane landed. Jeopardy has been on the air since 1962.
Begin with the End
Think about what you want to accomplish and write down the end result as if it has happened.
For example, let’s say you want to write a book.
Write a book from the end or write the back cover first with the kinds of quotes people would say about your book which gives you insight into what you want to write.
What are you working on now? How might you start at the end?
P.S. In case you are wondering, the photo was taken at a wonderful garden design show we went to when we were in France a couple years ago and it is an etched shovel.
