4 ways to come up with brilliant ideas when the pressure’s on

Best-selling author and ghostwriter Michael Levin defines creativity as “the ability to develop great ideas while under pressure.”

“Pressure creates diamonds, so why shouldn’t it also create great ideas?” he says.

Still, sometimes, pressure paralyzes creativity.

“I’ve experienced it when writing under deadline pressure and writing under the pressure of my own high expectations,” Levin says. “Over time, I’ve developed several tricks to stimulate my creative muscle and help me come up with great ideas for whatever challenge I face – whether it’s writing or figuring out how to arrange a busy family weekend schedule so that everyone’s needs are met.”

Here are four of Levin’s no-fail tips for generating creative ideas under pressure:

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