14 Suggestions to getting Breakthrough Ideas

http://changethis.com/manifesto/49.06.14Ways/pdf/49.06.14Ways.pdf

In this article Ditkoff summarizes what he believes to be the 14 keys to getting a breakthrough Idea.  He compiled this list through analyzing what he believes to be what sparks innovation and through looking for ways to quicken the outbreak of innovative ideas.  He also breaks this process down into two approaches, the Western, "I think, therefore I am", approach and the Cartesian, "I am, therefore I think", approach.  In his case the 14 steps are as follows:
1. Follow Your Fascination (or what strikes your interests/fascinates you)
2. Immerse (yourself into an idea, becoming completely involved in it)
3. Tolerate Ambiguity (or don't be afraid to fail, rather learn from mistakes)
4. Make New Connections (see two ideas and see how they are connected and can potentially be merged)
5. Fanta Size (don't be afraid to dream or fantasize about a potential new idea)
6. Define the Right Challenge (frame the question/problem you are trying to solve in a way that accurately describes what you are trying to accomplish)
7. Listen to Your Subconscious (listen/pay attention to your dreams or random thoughts)
8. Take A Break (don't be afraid to take a break to collect thoughts when stuck or frustrated)
9. Notice and Challenge Existing Patterns and Trends (don't be afraid to challenge old patterns or ways of doing things)
10. Hang Out With Diverse Groups of People (don't be afraid to break out of your comfort area to see what other kinds of ideas might be floating around)
11. Brainstorm (feel free to 'group think')
12. Look For Happy Accidents (roll with them and see what they might bring)
13. Use Creative Thinking Techniques (look for something to jump start your creativity, ie: a movie or book)
14. Suspend Logic (be creative, think outside the box)

Personally I agree with the very first idea of following what fascinates you.  This happens to me from time to time and has been a great inspiration in my creative works and can sometimes to seen in relation.  For example, I am currently working on a piece inspired by the video game, Dead Space.

I also definitely agree with the fantasizing idea.  Being able to day dream or fantasize about an idea can give you a whole complete picture of an idea you have in your mind, what the end result might be, and what possible ways you can go about to make that idea a reality.

Just to mix it up though I don't completely agree with the total immersion idea.  While it is good to jump into a project and allow yourself to become immersed at times it is sometimes better to take a step back and take a good look at your work to see what might be improved upon or tweaked, or how you might be able to do things differently.

What New Idea Fascinates You?
Right now I'm kind of on a Last Man Standing kick having just discovered the series and have been drawn in by the great looking artwork and unique, immersive story line.
What New Possibility Has Captured Your Attention?
Some new artwork featuring a theme cross between the games Dead Space and Shattered Horizon
 In What Ways Can You Honor This Inspiration Today?
 By getting started on this project today and working on bringing this image to reality.  Preferably in poster form so I can hang it in my room.