Embarking on a Brainstorming Expedition

Entering into the World of Idea Generation

Let us delve into simple brainstorming and how it can enrich our lives.

In these past few months, I have realized the significance of decisions that hold the power to shape
our very existence. This realization has led me to see that identifying choices forms the essence of
decision-making, a realization I find essential to embed within my being and extend to others.
Realizing that the capability to unearth options and possibilities is key, I now regard it as
indispensable in our quest to lead a gratifying life for all involved.

The low level of creativity in the world is not due to its absence inside individuals. Rather, it is
because individuals do not know how to unleash it. The person who reads this text will know better.

Equally crucial for decision-making, I've come to understand that a hierarchy of values takes
precedence over the individual values themselves. This hierarchy is non-negotiable, especially
within oneself. The best chance for humanity comes from ideally prioritizing values combined with a
creative method; failures usually come from distorted values, and conflicts emerge when dealing
with misaligned values.

Listing choices meticulously requires a more systematic approach. Let me highlight the essentials.
Paradoxical as it may seem, a simple method like listing choices needs lengthy discussion because
simplicity is often disrespected. However, straightforward structure is what we need in today's
complex world, where lives are at stake too frequently.

Please feel welcome to find immense value by taking the best out of this methodology; treat it as an
investment in yourself.

In navigating the challenges ahead, we must revere personal growth, confront emotional obstacles,
and employ structured approaches because the stakes are high, and our potential for remarkable
success is within reach like never before. Considering the growing urgency for creative output, it's
essential for creativity itself to articulate its principles more innovatively:

Unleashing Imagination

As boys get older, they may wake up embarrassingly to find that they have ejaculated in their sleep
and their underwear is soaked from the experience. They vividly remember dreaming about sexual
encounters, and the feeling was as real as if they were awake. This phenomenon is not unique.
Many people are surprised again to find how vivid their dreams can be when they wake up. This
experience, coupled with the undeniable fact that the dreamer is his own scriptwriter, opens up
an exciting possibility that goes beyond the limits of logic or empirical evidence: if, while dreaming, it
is sometimes impossible to distinguish dreams from reality, what to do? Could it be that our waking
life is like a dream?

The practical implications of this fascinating theory lie in its potential to enhance our imagination,
which is crucial for creative challenge-solving. If we accept the thought that life is a dream, our
values and decision-making styles can improve, leading to bolder, even more excellent choices
toward an idyllic life. We should explore the implications rather than try to prove or disprove this
notion. With this perspective, we can access the vast wealth of an imaginary world in which every
significant achievement begins with a dream.
Simple Story

I had my share of innovations and discoveries, including the "dream theory," which I later realized
must have been studied hundreds of years ago. However, the creative method I want to emphasize
is not my invention.

I initially set out to collect information on creativity but was surprised to find it underutilized. Growing
up, I naturally tended to systematize tasks and prioritize efficiency and effectiveness without
understanding these concepts. While working on a creative project, I recognized the need for a
purposeful and repeatable creative procedure. I developed a way to relate my creative problem-
solving abilities and values, leading to sounder choices. Although solving complex problems may
seem daunting, I've found that even the most daunting challenges are more accessible to overcome
than they first appear.

I heard long ago that imagination is a powerful force inherent in all of us and is the key to creativity.
But at some stage, I was amazed to recognize that all it takes to get started in creativity is
imagination and pen & paper. I could vividly see that people can achieve significant results through
the training and application of brainstorming sessions.

I am a natural explorer of creative fields. As my understanding of this continues evolving, I expect

methodological creativity to become commonplace. The insights shared here will also continue to
grow since I plan to contribute further. I tried to emphasize more but had to hurry as the tragedies of
war an hour away kept piling up, reminding me of the magnitude of humanity's challenges.

Encouraging creativity and inspiring others to live their best lives is vital. This sentiment highlights
the essence of effective teaching.

Now that I've committed to memory the phrase "Don't die while the music is inside you," let's take a
moment to consider what else has caught my interest.

Raising Expectations

Let's remember past grave conclusions: Life is, at its core, inherently marvelous yet often marred by
challenges, some of which pose existential threats. We must approach these challenges with brutal
honesty since our existence is shaky without integrity.

Far too frequently, we find ourselves sweeping problems under the rug, stumbling over them, and
then cursing the floor for its unevenness. It's time to strongly acknowledge that many ongoing
issues stem from neglecting to address them earlier. There were enough decades of procrastination
at a staggering cost that we can no longer afford. Integrating an effective solving method can
discourage self-deception and denial, which can cause enormous damage.

Partial care is an extreme that pollutes with scarcity radiation to all directions, particularly
boomeranging to its source. It can sometimes only be cured by an excess of the opposite extreme,
even if it initially feels like an obsession. We must become more creative – both as individuals and
as organizations. Consider this an invitation to begin a new era in our lives. Therefore, we need a
method that is easy to use, especially when confusion, pain, and fear cloud our judgment. It may
seem counterintuitive to pick up a checklist and follow its instructions during such times. This article
serves as a general guide to creative training for solo creators. While this system does not
guarantee solutions, it dramatically improves our ability to solve problems and makes success more
likely.
While sporadic strokes of luck may lead to solutions, seeking solutions RIGHT increases the
likelihood that the solution will also be right. We harness potent tools for creative problem-solving,
and some of them are anchored in a checklist. It provides a stable framework to avoid overlooking
crucial steps, similar to how a pilot works. Few things in life can bring as much peace of mind as
feeling confident in overcoming challenges that come our way. Practicing this method individually
and collaboratively enhances our existence.

Our aim isn't to preach perfection or raise super-artists, which would be nice, but to understand
helpful standards and make strides toward improvement. We aim to establish a steady flow of ideas
to address issues proactively. While some may find the method outlined here awkward, it is much
simpler than re-doing things or paying the price of superficial performance.

Adherence to a checklist does not mean that impulsive or free expression should be stifled.
Spontaneity has its place & time; real breakthroughs come when flow is mixed with organized effort.
Problem-solving creativity should be practical and trainable, empowering everyone to enhance their
creative abilities. People will realize that what seems impossible often reflects their ignorance, a
barrier that can be overcome through simple techniques and empathy. A problem-solving approach
should prioritize generating as many options as possible because only a few selected would later
form the basis of innovative solutions crafted from brainstorming ideas, stressing the importance of
needing many options.

When habitually seeking options for different tasks becomes interesting, it transforms attitude
towards those tasks, whether they are small daily responsibilities or big dreams.

At some point, even performing a tedious task in this manner can result in being more original,
practical, and playful.

An Adventurous Voyage Awaits

A thrilling journey lies ahead. It's already exhilarating to think that having a method to guide us,
steering through challenges, can lead us to outstanding achievements — and is only limited by our
imagination. Those who embrace this approach to creativity should feel empowered to take on
situations of any scale because there will be no bounds to what we can dream up. In light of the
many challenges before us, the appalling issues we must address, and the beautiful dreams we
must strive for, we seek courage and inspiration. The ultimate aim seems to be achieving mastery in
effective option generating.

A simple yet effective trail to enhance creativity is translating every situation into a question and
coming up eagerly with numerous responses; think of it as a game where you win by coming up with
more ideas. Creativity loves those who love that game and rewards their generosity.

These answers reveal possibilities and alternatives, whether the focus is on a grand ambition or a
simple expression. Creativity, fundamentally, is about identifying options and nothing else. Never
allow the term "creativity" to intimidate you or those you care about; it's merely about recognizing
possibilities and acknowledging that there are always different paths. Those options are usually
called "ideas". Ideas by themselves indeed have little value. Despite this cruel fact, without ideas,
there is indeed nothing. While generating options is only one process phase, they are supremely
essential since they form the foundation of creation.

Hasty decision-making from a limited pool of options is a common but unfortunate human tendency
when standing at the crossroads of limited alternatives. It's then all too easy to succumb to
impulsive choosing. For this reason, brainstorming is done quickly and separately to minimize hasty
evaluation that often leads to new problems. Instead, jot down numerous possibilities without
hesitation.
The initial objective of creative training isn't to become brilliant problem solvers but to silence the
subconscious self-sabotage and defeat the imagined criticisms of others that often suffocate our
ideas even before they were conceived. By applying positive pressure, we reduce the time
that could be abused for self-judgment and to enable rapid idea generation, a crucial skill in creative
challenge-solving. The heart of training this method lies in the speed of listing options. Thus, for
pedagogical purposes, our primary focus should be on rapid brainstorming, prioritizing velocity
without much concern for quality.

Making a list of at least 21 answers in 7-10 minutes is a reasonable level of such constructive
stress. 3-5 minutes would be suitable for fast thinkers. However, when I allowed myself in the
beginning to extend the time limit, I always insisted on hearing the clock alarm when the time was
over.

When facing a challenge, or what is frequently should better be called an opportunity, people often
find themselves instantly exclaiming in desperation, "But HOW are we going to do it—that's the
question!" They say this typically out of habit and without realizing that they have just answered it
themselves because everything they have initially to do is just spelling out plainly what they
previously stated. Astoundingly, the relieving path to a solution is often embedded within the
problem statement itself. And we immediately copy and insert THAT challenge into a "how
to…" sentence to become the question's first word at the top of the page. Below this question, at
least 21 answers will be brainstormed soon.

By framing situations as "how questions," we prompt ourselves to generate creative responses.

These action-oriented questions, which are relatively more straightforward to visualize, foster
confidence in our ability to achieve remarkable outcomes because now it is no longer a problem but
rather a question begging for an answer.

With this re-frame, we can return to a childlike state of whimsy and imagination. We build castles in
the sky, considering that this life could be akin to a dream. We are embracing "how" questions,
which unleash our creativity, as they induce visions that pave the way for innovative
solutions. Creativity than rewards us with lofty attainable objectives for our endeavors, while
laziness is only fit for mediocrity or worse.

On the other hand, it's crucial to accurately define the problem or challenge and understand its
causes before attempting to find a solution. To do so, it is crucial to ask the right
questions, reflective questions that also lead to personal development and avoid blaming
others & situations.

But on the contrary, though uncomfortable, gentle self-blame can empower us to make positive
changes in ourselves and our situations. Making oneself responsible is a preference that we can do
immediately instead of waiting around for the blamable object to change. Taking this responsibility is
why "whatever is blamed gets the power." Life is less hard on people who are hard on themselves.
So there is nothing to fear by courageously asking self-honest how-questions.

The wisest people are those who can ask better questions. For example," How to achieve XYZ
while experiencing & exploring xxx?" where XYZ and xxx can be an additional objective or a side-
effect (such as sculpting one's character).

Question words thrill me, especially the phrase "how to..."! They hold such power and are a simple
beckoning to limitless possibilities. I can hardly contain my excitement at the vision of what could be
if only more people understood how simple and rejuvenating it is to fall in love with those words.
Mental Backpack for the Expedition

We should make better use of this innate power: While devices and paper support it, the mind is our
most extraordinary asset. It can be compared to a muscle; as physical skills are developed through
practice, so is creativity. Therefore, let's delve into some specific guidelines.

Listing ideas very fast may seem challenging to some people, but adequate preparation can make it
much smoother. Creating ideal mental environments for idea generation is a critical task. It's not just
about the desire to succeed but about preparing ourselves for success. When faced with a pressing
challenge, proactive brainstormers tackle it head-on by translating the situation immediately into a
question. However, they also prepared other questions that were posed as responses to events.

Emotional readiness for brainstorming is critical. Developing patience is essential. Many people may
feel there are more pressing tasks than brainstorming, especially in high-stakes situations where
emotions run high. However, a calm, methodical approach can yield better results than relying
solely on instinctive reactions. Time urgency is often a fabricated obstacle used as an excuse to
avoid thorough options generation. Investing the effort to explore options thoroughly can prevent
costly mistakes and corrections later on.

A few minutes spent thinking about what we're grateful for can help us see abundance in our
resources, leading to a positive atmosphere for the session that feeds on abundance. Reviewing the
benefits of potential solutions and imagining the feelings associated with achieving them can further
enhance the creative process.

Fostering a culture of option-listing rather than criticism can reduce social conflict and promote
exponential growth. Envy often stifles creativity, particularly in children. How wonderful it would have
been if everyone remembered that creativity is simply about coming up with options and not
necessarily about being a genius. Oh, creativity, have mercy on us; grant humanity the willingness
to displace the erroneous dynamics of envy, if nothing else but for more world peace!

Examining our beliefs is essential because they construct mental and emotional reality. As one
philosopher said, faith is to believe what you do not see yet, and the reward of this faith is to later
see what you believed. Maintaining a positive mindset is vital for creative problem-solving. That
includes believing that every problem has a solution, that everyone was born highly innovative, and
that the ability to find options and alternatives is trainable. There are more empowering beliefs, but
let us adopt those first. The more one believes that issues can principally be solved, the greater the
probability that things become a reality earlier.

Intellectual preparation involves knowing what we want and why we want it. Intellectual engagement
means questioning since the language of organized thinking is primarily based on asking and
answering questions. Once you have listed a question, coming up with some
answers shouldn't be difficult.

Writing down the desired outcomes as a question at the top of a page opens the door to
manifestation. To do this, I prefer a computer file. But a napkin worked too.

Social preparation is necessary for collaborative creativity. Although group ideation can be effective
when properly facilitated, it is equally important that individuals develop their capacity to come up
with options on their own when alone.

Physical preparation involves minimizing distractions and maintaining proper nutrition since the
brain demands a lot of blood sugar.
Musical pieces to be played in the background for inspiration must be carefully chosen from what
was seemingly composed out of supreme playful inventiveness. This article was
crafted being escorted by some of the most exquisite music ever produced. Such a prepared playlist
of "creative" music is now ready to start together with a timer.

Transitioning into brainstorming is when we need to remind ourselves of specific principles for
generating ideas:

Be open to all suggestions during option generation, no matter how crazy they seem. The more
options you come up with, no matter how bizarre answers may sound initially, the higher the
chances of stumbling upon something workable later.

Strictly separating idea generation from evaluation and any discussions and postponing decision-
making can prevent premature judgment and encourage the current creative flow at that moment.
This restriction will enable visualization to begin, and a stream of answers will flow into a growing
list.

It's about prioritizing quantity over quality. Quantity is a cardinal commandment that can not be
underlined enough. Rich AND relatively free are those who have options. Those with options are
better positioned to choose what suits them best. So keep writing and disallow the pen to lift itself
from the paper as if the ink might dry out. Always stay open to the possibility that there could be
additional ways. Please trust that the quantity of options listed can generate a quality solution later.

Be grateful for any option, no matter how small or insignificant. It doesn't have to be heroic. Just list
quickly and without hesitation.

Artificial Intelligence is a fascinating evolution of the digital revolution. However, the options it
generates will always be limited to those fed into its data pool, usually the Internet and other
digitalized bodies of information. As usual in computer science, results will always obey the law of
being as good as the stuff fed into it, in many cases little more than "garbage in – garbage out." At
present, AI cannot come up with unprecedented associations or totally original ideas. AI doesn't
have feelings, so it lacks intuition to discern rightness. Nevertheless, you have. AI's output could
appear much glossier but will be shallower.

Always first rely on your own creativity alone. Even if your results would appear slim, you may still
be sometimes surprised at how distinctive the wheel you have re-invented will be. Celebrate it.

Conversely, AI could excel at processing the new ideas you will generate on your own.
It can cleverly optimize, edit, or build upon your suggestions while always keeping them as yours at
the core, even if Google ignores them.

However, premature reliance on AI can lead to the atrophy of our unique creative muscles,
underlining the importance of maintaining human creativity.

First, establish a custom of free-flowing procedures and approach creativity with a sense of
playfulness and openness. Memorize that AI is a tool to enhance your creativity, not a replacement
for it.

Now, let's see how to get the brainstorming engines to start.

Fine-tuning for the Take-off Thrust

The fire behind the motivation that propels us into flight is revived when we see the benefits of
taking a systematic approach to our challenges.

Aside from the advantage of finding creative solutions earlier, there is immense value in
simultaneously becoming more capable of enhancing existence. The essence of better living
primarily lies in improving our character because it profoundly influences all aspects of life.

Genuine care, for instance, manifested through a willingness to attend to issues, yields external and
internal rewards. Regardless of how distant solutions may seem, caring for concerns or even being
ready to take note of issues sends a powerful message to our subconscious, compelling us to care
more about ourselves as well. This subconscious directive guides us towards improvements and
growth. Conversely, indifference to such signals could harm oneself or others. Those who adopt an
"I don't care" stance are less likely to achieve satisfying accomplishments, as no amount of skill can
compensate for apathy.

Moreover, disengaged individuals not only limit their own lives but ultimately also diminish
themselves in the eyes of others. Therefore, investing in the willingness that caring requires is
prudent. As a wise man once said, willpower may weigh many grams, but regret weighs tons,
sometimes lasting for decades. Hence, it is preferable to confront issues, especially since we now
have a better capacity to do so. We should sense distinct discomfort when presented with too few
options or alternatives.

Commitment entails making promises to oneself, the most essential of which is eliminating excuses.
How can we ever trust ourselves if we cannot make such a promise? No one can claim to lack
seven minutes to generate choices for a meaningful resolution. Creativity will ruthlessly test your
determination, yet it will reward your resolve with considerable ingenious ideas to solve problems
toward greater peace of mind. Humans must soon commit to harnessing their creative potential to
address pressing issues because creativity is inherently enjoyable and enriching in other ways.
Engaging in creative endeavors brings rewards while avoiding those carries consequences. It is
remarkable what can be achieved by following some simple guidelines. We can dedicate ourselves
to inspiring ideas and alternatives or resign ourselves to a mediocre existence or worse. The choice
is ours to make.

Individuals keen on self-improvement and character-building strive to evolve, especially internally.

They dare themselves to take every possible action to achieve their objectives and acknowledge
their part of the responsibility. They make sure they are purposefully accountable, with a primary
commitment to certain rules, such as:

1. Suspending judgment to list any suggestions freely.

2. Prioritizing quantity over quality initially.

Relative independence is cultivated by boldly making wild, seemingly "impossible" suggestions.

Thus, individuality is cultivated, which is a precious trait that allows one to diverge from the herd and
even rebel against mindless conformity to societal norms. Remember: mostly dead fish swim only
with the current.

By shifting from a problem-oriented mindset to a solution-oriented one, we leave behind blame and
embrace positivity and strength. As it was said, don't only fake it till you make it; fake it further till
you become it. And you will become more creative. Further good news is that focusing on solutions
helps cultivate optimism, which triggers a curiosity to seek out even more solutions. This thirst is
healthy because solutions also mean the desire to build rather than mostly eliminate a
disturbance. Youth is a widespread impression, but one intriguing definition of it is having more
plans than in the past.
Courageously utilizing our drives is essential for effective problem-solving. Yes, creativity tests our
determination but strengthens it too, making persistence easier and transforming discipline from a
burden into a companion that walks with us throughout the journey. Persistence leads to success,
even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Embrace failures and setbacks as chances to flex your creative problem-solving muscles. View
difficulty as an impetus towards exploring alternative, unconventional pathways. Flexibility becomes
crucial as we encounter increasingly complex challenges. This difficulty may stem from our
reluctance to believe in the availability of additional solutions fully. Nonetheless, this is a productive
state, forcing us to explore unconventional alternatives. Re-framing setbacks and failures as
opportunities for creative problem-solving allows us to become masters of change rather than
victims of change. Soon, we see opportunities everywhere.

While re-framing may not always be emotionally easy, it is undoubtedly preferable to succumbing to
helplessness. Choosing our best in any situation will always be an option. Seizing the opportunity to
overcome a challenge brings us closer to realizing that everything is solvable immediately or in due
time.

Given the magnitude of the challenges facing humanity and individuals, there is an urgent need for
wisdom rather than mere intelligence. By asking daring questions, we test our values and better
understand what truly matters.

Engaging in brainstorming exercises stimulates the brain and wards off cognitive decline. The more
we utilize our problem-solving abilities, the 'smarter' we become.

A sense of deservability makes us feel valuable. Seeking a reasonable abundance is not an

indulgence but a birthright.

So far, we have recalled the benefits of using a systematic method, especially regarding personal
becoming. Awareness of those benefits makes the spark that ignites the engines of creativity. With
this consciousness, we have already become more adept at turning ambitious dreams into reality
and achieving the highest level of human fulfillment.

Collective Wisdom Ride Across Borders

The abilities of our developed brains and the agility of our hands should place humans as the most
successful species on Earth. Yet, an ant colony is, to some extent, more sophisticated than our
society. Each ant in the settlement is somewhat autonomous, yet together, they achieve a synergy
that produces results beyond what each ant could accomplish alone. Even the Bible says: "Go to
the ant, you lazy; watch her ways and become wiser; she has no cop or commander."

And what are we doing instead? We're spreading division and alienation, breeding conflicts, and
developing destructive means, regardless of how convincing their excuses may be.

Why live at a lower level than accessible if we can elevate it with a relatively small effort of acts
that additionally increase self-image? How many more tolls on health and peace must we bear
before we realize the call to action?

Idealism costs so little yet makes such an enormous impact. If we indeed seek greater happiness,
then our pledge must be to be committed to the practice of solutioning. Creativity awaits our
initiative with open arms, eager to lend its support.
Make optimism a habit on the way to a shining future. Picture greater social
harmony that is based on more fairness, collective inclination to amalgamate contributions, and
multinational cooperation where all are inclined to contribute toward common goals. Success can be
extraordinary.

Regardless of whether you choose to engage with these concepts for the highest good of all, feel
free to internalize and practice the method recommended here to enhance your skills and life. Time
passes swiftly, and the future may arrive sooner than expected. However, even under severe
pressure, carving out seven minutes for creative thinking is essential. Seize that time bravely.

Dream big and stride confidently toward your aspirations. Anticipate positive outcomes and seek
silver linings in every situation, especially during obstacles and setbacks. Bear in mind that every
problem is solvable, whether immediately, soon, or eventually, and sprinkle the path to solutions
with rewards for yourself and others.

Keep coming up with more options despite sometimes feeling overwhelmed by the many already
available options since possibilities are infinite. The more you concentrate on finding solutions, the
more they appear ready to serve you. "Luck" occurs when preparation meets
opportunity. Preparations are what we have listed as options, and opportunity comes as a reward
for genuinely seeking creative solutions.

A profound question should be at the forefront of our minds: Shall we face our challenges head-on
and bring more abundance into our lives while showing care for others? It is worth questioning if we
truly desire this, as it might necessitate accepting new challenges if not.

Having been introduced to some fundamental aspects of a simple yet pragmatic tool that can help
inspire you to take on the world, would it not make sense for dreams to be the next initiative?

In that case, let us dream jointly and even bigger in every sphere that can enrich life, starting from
co-innovation to co-living or anything worthwhile because now we can. We can achieve astounding
success by working in cooperation. Let's face the challenges methodically together as we journey
ahead, always re-igniting the thrust for take-off and being sure to translate any situation, big or
small, into a question as if our future depends on it because it does.

Thank you for the opportunity to participate and offer my input.

I am open to feedback at [email protected], regardless of my international whereabouts.

Dr. Amos Livne

Tel-Aviv, 5may24