Why Your Best Ideas Will Never Come From Your Desk.

What do you think of when you say or hear, “We need a creative solution” in an e-staff meeting? 

I hear, “Here we go again... creativity forcing function time... brainstorming sessions, whiteboards, and team huddles.". 

YAY! Can’t wait. (Sarcasm, hope you caught that.)

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The reality? Most truly creative ideas don’t come from sitting at your desk—they come from getting away from it—and sometimes away from people.

Creativity isn’t something that comes from the corporate forcing functions of more meetings and group think wrapped up in a conference—and maybe free lunch—in timeboxed 30-60 minute increments. It comes from giving yourself the time, space, and freedom to think and explore. That means getting away. Doing nothing but thinking without worrying about the meeting that comes in 5 minutes or the 15 dings from your email client (you know you should turn off the alert sounds, right?)

Being outside the box can’t come from inside the box. There may be something true about the old adage that we do our best thinking in the shower.

Here are 5 ways I’ve found to break down the creative-killer corporate approach to inspire myself to be more creative.

1. Routine Kills Creativity

Our brains crave novelty. Yet, offices are designed for efficiency, not inspiration. I don’t care how cool you made the office... it’s still an office. The same environment, same faces, and same structured meetings create a loop of predictable thinking. If you want fresh ideas, you need fresh stimuli. Go out. I will spend a day at my local funky coffee roaster/brewery/pizza joint in my town. The music is good. The couches are comfortable. The vibe is eclectic. The noise of the baristas and the nurses having a beer after their shifts at 10am (it’s next to a hospital, and I don't judge) works for me. The inspiration to think comes easier for me there than in a conference room with a whiteboard.

It doesn’t have to be a trendy spot; sit outside on your patio in the sun, go down to the office building cafe, or whatever works best for you. The point is. DROP THE ROUTINE. Get away. You will find yourself less constrained in thinking than if you sit in your cube.

2. Movement Sparks Innovation

There’s a reason why history’s greatest thinkers—like Steve Jobs—were known for their walking meetings. Studies show that physical movement boosts creative problem-solving. Taking a walk, exploring a new space. 

I had a former COO ask me why I wasn’t on camera in a Zoom meeting once. He said “...it sounds like you are outside.” 

I replied, “Yes. I am. I am walking the trails near my house for this meeting.” 

He was flabbergasted. Suggested that “maybe I wasn’t taking this brainstorming meeting seriously.” 

I responded. “Actually, I am taking it very seriously; that’s why I’m out.” and proceeded to convey that movement boosts creative thinking. We aren’t using PowerPoints for this meeting; it’s a discussion, and I know I can be more creative in this modality.”

Turns out, I was right. The discussion ultimately turned into an idea that I proposed, and then I generally facilitated the discussion (including 2 other c-suite members) to flesh the idea out, discuss the cons for such a move, and ultimately drive agreement on the concept. 

This example may buck the ‘norms’ of corporate thinking for brainstorming, but there is evidence that movement will inspire. So next time, get your small group (2-3 folks) and go for a walk around the corporate campus and chat it out. Give it a try.

3. The Best Ideas Come When You Least Expect Them

How often have you had that aha idea in the shower, while driving, or on vacation? That’s because our brains make new connections when we’re relaxed and free from pressure. Getting out of the office gives your subconscious the space it needs to do its best work. 

The greatest innovations often come from unexpected collisions—random conversations, new places, and unplanned moments. Sitting in the same office every day limits your exposure to these opportunities.

4. Real-World Inspiration Beats Theoretical Brainstorming

Want to create a groundbreaking product? Talk to real customers in their environment. Need a fresh marketing campaign? Visit a place that immerses you in culture and emotion. Creativity thrives on firsthand experiences, not just PowerPoint slides or whiteboards.

When I travel around the globe, I’m always looking around. I try to ask people for recommendations on things to try, brands to explore, and food to eat. Why? They know it best. I want to immerse in their way of life. I love seeing ads in other places. I have whole photo albums on my phone of international ads. Why? They’re cool. They are different than our own here in the states. People connect differently. They are inspiring.

You don’t have to jet set the globe though to get inspiration. Just get out and talk to people. Most are willing to share a story or two. This can be as simple as being in a Target store and seeing someone looking at a brand and asking them, “have you used that? What makes it so good?” and most importantly, listen.

Finally… Get out in the field. Your cube won’t tell you what people like about your stuff or what they dream or desire it to do. Inspiration from a conversation can do wonders for funnelling into your creative process.

5. Know Yourself. Be Honest With Yourself.

I know that my most creative self occurs in the morning. I am a creative morning person and an analytical, get-shit-doner in the p.m. It’s just how I operate. So I know that if I need to write or think, I need to give myself the mornings. Sometimes that means I get up at 4:30am, make coffee and go for a walk, sit on the couch with my laptop or whatever, but it’s my most productive creative time. I also know that being asked to come up with something snazzy at 4:00pm is a death trap for me. So I avoid at all costs. 

Not everyone is the same, but the point here is to know yourself and how (and when) to give yourself the space for creativity sessions.

REMEMBER THIS: The Corporate Box is Keeping You Inside the Box

If you want to be more creative, don’t just schedule another meeting—change your environment. Step outside, take a break, and watch how fresh perspectives start flowing.