Over thinking is the enemy of execution
I’ve noticed it in testing workshops where the audience is asked to come up with as many testing ideas as possible in 5 minutes. Over thinking is the enemy of execution.
Most people really have lots of ideas, but once they start thinking about them, they can only come up with a short list if at all.
Ideas are a fuel for execution.
So what can we do to improve the creative process in this setting?
I’ve noticed that if the instruction is changed by adding just one word, the results are phenomenally better.
The new version takes the over thinking part of the brain out of the equation. Here is one example of the improved instruction.
Come up with as many BAD testing ideas as you can in 5 minutes.
Ironically the lists that attendees can come up with now are longer and contain way more great ideas as well.
Practice spotting your over thinker. Once you learn to see it, it will set you free and you are one step closer to execution.
