Capacity for ideation

We all have ideas. In fact, ideas abound, within us and around us. If we associate ideas with change, we may also relate ideas to our capacity for coming up with new ideas. or ideation-capacity for change. What, then, we may ask, lies behind our capacity for change, or ideation? The psychologist Brian Little, whose research lies at the intersection of personality, developmental and applied psychology, suggests that when we are motivated by an important and meaningful personal goal we break free from personality constraints that may be holding us back. In this, Little highlights three forces that govern our lives: our biogenic natures (whether we are physiologically extravert, introvert or whatever), our sociogenic natures (how we are raised, the culture we live in and the company we keep), and finally, our idiogenic or “third natures”, which are comprised of our personal projects and the free traits we express in pursuit of them. Ideation, then, as a tool, or vehicle for change, and if seen as part of third natures, could be enhanced by turning first thought, or Aha! moment into a personal project thinking about its importance and meaning relevant to your values and identity pulling you forward into new possibilities. Ideation indeed!. Reference: Little, B. (2014)  Me, Myself, and US -The Science of Personality and the Art of Well-Being. Toronto: HarperCollins