INDXN Solutions

Blog

  • How to Unlock Hidden Creativity in Your Workday

    How to Unlock Hidden Creativity in Your Workday

    Watch on YouTube

    We often think creativity requires long, uninterrupted blocks of time—but the truth is, your next brilliant idea might come from a 2-minute coffee break or a few spare minutes between meetings. These micro-moments are surprisingly powerful.

    Why Micro-Moments Matter

    Short bursts of reflection or observation give your brain space to connect ideas in unexpected ways. While deep focus is important, research shows that incidental thinking—brief periods when your mind wanders or shifts attention—can trigger innovative solutions. These moments are often overlooked but can accumulate into major breakthroughs over time.

    How to Capture Creativity in Micro-Moments

    1. Notice the Gaps – Pay attention to small pauses in your day: waiting in line, commuting, or the minutes before a meeting starts.
    2. Carry a Quick Tool – Have a notebook, voice recorder, or note-taking app ready to capture ideas instantly.
    3. Revisit and Act – Don’t just record ideas—review them, refine them, and implement the ones with potential.

    Even tiny ideas, captured consistently, can evolve into game-changing solutions for workflows, projects, or personal growth.

    Real-World Example

    A young professional was stuck on improving a team workflow. During a short lunch break, they sketched a quick diagram on their phone. Later, they tested it at their desk, and it ended up saving hours of work the following week. One small micro-moment led to a significant improvement.

    Key Takeaway

    Stop waiting for “creative time.” Start noticing and leveraging the small pockets in your day. Micro-moments may feel minor, but they can produce big, actionable ideas.

    👉Subscribe to The Ideas forge on YouTube and get bite-sized history you can share at the breakfast table.

    Watch on YouTube

  • The Surprising Creativity Boost You Get from Doing Nothing

    The Surprising Creativity Boost You Get from Doing Nothing

    Watch on YouTube

    We’ve all been told to stop daydreaming and focus—but what if wandering thoughts are actually one of the most powerful tools for creativity?

    Recent research in neuroscience has shown that when your mind drifts, your brain isn’t idle. Instead, it activates the default mode network, a system that unconsciously links ideas, solves problems, and sparks insights. This explains why some of your best ideas appear when you’re taking a shower, going for a walk, or staring out the window.

    Why Daydreaming Works

    Creativity thrives when your brain has space to explore connections freely. Focused work is essential, but constant attention can block unconventional solutions. When you give yourself downtime, your mind experiments silently, connecting dots that conscious effort might miss.

    Take this real-world example: a student stuck on a complex assignment spent hours trying to force a solution. When they took a break and allowed their mind to wander, the missing idea emerged effortlessly. This isn’t luck—it’s your brain solving problems in stealth mode.

    How to Harness Your Mind’s Wandering

    1. Choose a Problem: Identify a challenge or project where you need a creative breakthrough.
    2. Step Away: Take a walk, doodle, or simply stare out a window. Don’t try to force the solution.
    3. Observe the Insights: Let ideas come naturally. Keep a notebook handy to capture sudden flashes of clarity.

    Even small breaks—five or ten minutes of free thought—can trigger ideas that structured thinking misses.

    Key Takeaway

    Next time you feel guilty for zoning out, remember: sometimes the smartest thing you can do is nothing. Your brain is still hard at work, quietly connecting the dots that lead to your next big idea.

    👉Subscribe to The Ideas forge on YouTube and get bite-sized history you can share at the breakfast table.

    Watch on YouTube
  • Subtract to Spark: How Removing One Thing Unlocks Creative Breakthroughs

    Subtract to Spark: How Removing One Thing Unlocks Creative Breakthroughs

    Watch on YouTube

    We often believe that creativity means adding more—more features, more effort, more complexity. But here’s the twist: some of the best ideas don’t come from adding. They come from subtracting.

    Welcome to the Subtraction Shortcut—a simple, powerful method for sparking innovation by removing one core element from your work.

    Why Subtraction Works

    Creativity thrives on constraints. When we limit ourselves, our brains are forced to work harder, finding novel solutions with fewer resources. Psychologists call this constraint-driven creativity—and research shows people often generate more original ideas when they have fewer options.

    Think about it:

    • Haikus, with just 17 syllables, create some of the most profound poetry.
    • Twitter’s original 140-character limit birthed a new style of sharp, witty communication.
    • Designers use black-and-white sketches to strip away distraction and focus on form.

    Constraints don’t block creativity—they fuel it.

    The Subtraction Shortcut in Action

    Here’s how the technique works:

    1. Pick a Project – Choose something you’re currently working on: a product, piece of content, or workflow.
    2. Remove One Obvious Element – Eliminate a key feature or step. No video? No color? No slides? What happens when it’s gone?
    3. Rebuild Within the Constraint – Reimagine your project without the missing piece.

    Example: From Course to Mini-Series

    One creator had a problem: their 20-hour online course wasn’t getting traction. Instead of piling on more content, they subtracted the video. The result? A five-episode audio mini-series. It was faster to produce, easier for listeners to binge, and reached a completely new audience who preferred podcasts over video.

    Try It Yourself

    Ask: What can I remove?

    • Writers: Cut one chapter and tell the story tighter.
    • Entrepreneurs: Remove a feature and see if the product becomes easier to use.
    • Teams: Cancel a standing meeting and solve the problem with a shared document.

    Every gap created by subtraction is an invitation for innovation.

    Key Takeaway

    When you feel stuck, don’t add complexity. Subtract. Creativity isn’t about doing more—it’s about seeing what emerges when you do less.

    Try the Subtraction Shortcut on your next project. You might be surprised by what grows in the empty space.

    Want More?

    • Follow along with The Idea Forge for more bite-sized creativity flips.
    • Experiment with subtraction today—then share your results. Your idea might inspire someone else.

    👉Subscribe to The Ideas forge on YouTube and get bite-sized history you can share at the breakfast table.

    Watch on YouTube
  • Treat Attention Like Capital: The $0 Habit That Scales Business Results

    Treat Attention Like Capital: The $0 Habit That Scales Business Results

    Watch on YouTube

    Most people treat time as something to be managed. The most successful entrepreneurs treat it as capital to be invested. The difference between those two mindsets explains why some businesses grow while others stall.

    Why Attention Is the Real Currency of Business

    Money can be lost and earned back. Time cannot. Once it’s spent, it’s gone. That’s why high-performing founders and executives guard their calendars as closely as investors guard their portfolios.

    Warren Buffett famously said the difference between successful people and very successful people is that the latter say “no” to almost everything. What he meant is simple: attention is finite. The more it’s scattered across low-value tasks, the less compounding effect you’ll see on the activities that truly move your business forward.

    The Compounding Power of Focus

    Think of attention like compound interest. The more uninterrupted blocks you invest in high-leverage activities, the greater the long-term return.

    One startup I advised eliminated three recurring status meetings and replaced them with a single 30-minute asynchronous update. That freed more than two days of collective team focus each month. The result? Faster product cycles, clearer communication, and measurable productivity gains — without spending a cent.

    How to Rewire Your Calendar

    You don’t need a bigger budget to scale results. You need to protect your attention. Try these practical steps:

    1. Audit your time: Track where your attention goes for one week. You’ll be surprised by the leaks.
    2. Block deep work: Reserve at least one 90-minute session per day for focused, high-leverage work.
    3. Decline strategically: Cut one unnecessary meeting or request per day. That’s 250 saved opportunities a year.
    4. Go asynchronous: Use short written or video updates in place of recurring status calls.

    Final Takeaway

    Attention is capital. Protect it, invest it wisely, and you’ll create compounding returns in both business and life.

    Small reallocations of time add up to major momentum. Start guarding your focus like you would your cash flow — because in many ways, it’s worth even more.

    👉 Want more surprising stories of innovation and ideas? Subscribe to Quick Insights on YouTube and get bite-sized history you can share at the breakfast table.

    Watch on YouTube

  • The 2-Minute Rule That Doubles Your Productivity

    The 2-Minute Rule That Doubles Your Productivity

    Watch on YouTube

    What if the secret to beating procrastination takes less time than brewing coffee?

    That’s the power of the 2-Minute Rule — a simple mindset shift that can help you clear small tasks instantly and kickstart big goals without the usual resistance.

    Part 1: Handle Small Tasks Immediately

    The first part of the 2-Minute Rule is straightforward: if something takes less than two minutes, do it right away.

    Think about replying to a short email, filing a document, or jotting down a quick reminder. These micro-tasks often pile up and weigh on your mental bandwidth. Delaying them takes more energy than just finishing them on the spot. By clearing them as they appear, you reduce clutter in your head and keep momentum flowing.

    Part 2: Use Two Minutes to Start Big Goals

    Here’s where the rule gets really powerful. You can also use it to make daunting projects less overwhelming. Break a big goal into a two-minute version:

    • Want to read more? Open a book and read a single page.
    • Want to exercise? Put on your sneakers.
    • Want to write? Open a blank document and type one sentence.

    Nine times out of ten, once you’ve started, momentum takes over. You’ll often find yourself going far beyond those two minutes.

    Why It Works

    This idea was popularized by David Allen in his book Getting Things Done, where he highlighted the mental drag of unfinished tasks. Later, behavior scientist BJ Fogg reinforced the principle with his “Tiny Habits” method — showing how lowering the barrier to action makes new habits stick.

    The real trick isn’t about discipline or motivation. It’s about making the start so small, your brain has no reason to resist.

    Final Takeaway

    Next time procrastination shows up, ask yourself: “What’s my two-minute move?” Whether it’s knocking out a tiny task or starting a big one, those quick wins compound over time — and that’s where consistency (and success) comes from.

    The Idea forge

    Subscribe to The Ideas forge on YouTube and get bite-sized history you can share at the breakfast table.

    Watch on YouTube
  • The Billion-Dollar Power of Compound Interest

    The Billion-Dollar Power of Compound Interest

    Watch on YouTube

    When people talk about building wealth, most of us picture risky stock picks, bold investments, or sudden windfalls. But the truth? The most powerful wealth-building tool has been hiding in plain sight for centuries: compound interest.

    Albert Einstein famously called it the eighth wonder of the world. That might sound dramatic, but once you understand how it works, you’ll see why.

    The Surprising Story of Alex and Bella

    Let’s imagine two friends with the exact same habit: investing $200 every month.

    • Alex starts early, at age 20. He contributes faithfully for just 10 years, then stops at age 30.
    • Bella waits until she’s 30 to begin. She invests the same $200 every month—but keeps it going until she’s 60.

    Who ends up with more?

    Surprisingly, it’s Alex. Even though he only invested for 10 years, compound interest kept his money working in the background for three extra decades. Bella, despite contributing three times as much, ends up with less.

    That’s the quiet magic of compounding: time matters more than effort.

    Why Compound Interest Works

    At its core, compound interest means your money earns interest, and then that interest itself earns more interest. It’s like planting a tree: first you get leaves, then the branches grow, and soon you’ve got an entire forest.

    The earlier you plant the seed, the bigger the forest.

    How to Apply This Insight

    1. Start Early, Start Small: Even tiny amounts grow massively over decades.
    2. Stay Consistent: Automatic monthly contributions keep momentum.
    3. Let Time Do the Heavy Lifting: Patience is your biggest ally.

    The Key Takeaway

    Wealth isn’t just about how much you invest—it’s about when you start. Compound interest rewards patience more than hustle. Your money can become a lifelong student, learning and multiplying year after year.

    So if you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to begin investing, here’s the truth: the right time was yesterday. The second-best time? Today.

    👉 Want more surprising stories of innovation and ideas? Subscribe to Quick Insights on YouTube and get bite-sized history you can share at the breakfast table.

    Watch on YouTube
  • Study Less, Remember More: The Two-Minute Testing Trick

    Study Less, Remember More: The Two-Minute Testing Trick

    Watch on YouTube

    If you’ve ever spent hours highlighting notes only to forget them the next day, you’re not alone. Most students rely on passive study habits like rereading or underlining, but research shows they don’t do much for long-term memory. There’s a smarter way — and it only takes two minutes.

    The Science: The Testing Effect

    Psychologists have studied something called the Testing Effect for nearly a century. The idea is simple: trying to retrieve information from memory strengthens learning far more than simply reviewing it.

    In one famous study, students who read material once and then tested themselves remembered nearly 50% more a week later compared to those who just reread. Testing isn’t about grades — it’s about making recall active practice.

    How to Use the Two-Minute Trick

    Here’s how ambitious students can use it right away:

    1. Read for 10 minutes.
      Take in a section of your textbook, article, or lecture notes.
    2. Close the book.
      No peeking — this forces your brain to work.
    3. Write down three key points.
      Don’t worry if you forget one — mistakes are gold. They show where you need to focus.

    This quick, two-minute recall session turns passive reading into active learning. Repeat this process across different chunks of material, and you’ll remember far more in less time.

    Supercharge Your Study with Spacing

    Want to level up even further? Combine retrieval with spaced practice:

    • Do a short recall session immediately after learning.
    • Come back to the same material the next day.
    • Review again a few days later.

    Each round gets easier, and your brain treats the information as long-term knowledge rather than short-term cramming.

    Why It Works

    Think of your memory like a muscle. Rereading is like watching someone else lift weights — it looks productive but doesn’t build strength. Retrieval is actually doing the reps. Every time you force your brain to pull out information, you strengthen the “pathway” that makes recalling it easier next time.

    It also boosts confidence. When you see yourself successfully recalling, you know you’re making progress — and that reduces exam anxiety.

    Quick Ways to Apply

    • Flashcards: Write a question on one side, answer on the back.
    • Teach it: Explain the idea out loud, as if to a friend who knows nothing about the topic.
    • Practice tests: Create mini quizzes for yourself or swap with classmates.

    Final Thought

    Studying smarter doesn’t mean more hours in the library. It means aligning your methods with how memory really works. Try the two-minute testing trick today: read, close the book, write three points. Small changes like this can transform how much you remember — and how confident you feel when it’s time to perform.

    👉 Want more surprising stories of innovation and ideas? Subscribe to Quick Insights on YouTube and get bite-sized history you can share at the breakfast table.

    Watch on YouTube

  • Why Most Entrepreneurs Swear by Time Blocking

    Why Most Entrepreneurs Swear by Time Blocking

    Watch on YouTube

    If you don’t run your calendar, your calendar runs you. Every entrepreneur I know eventually discovers this lesson—sometimes the hard way.

    Time blocking isn’t just a productivity hack; it’s a way of protecting your most valuable resource: focus. Think of your day like prime real estate. If you don’t decide what to build on it, someone else will move in with their own priorities.

    The Power of Structured Time

    Entrepreneurs like Elon Musk famously break their days into 5-minute blocks. Bill Gates dedicates entire “think weeks” where nothing interrupts him. While these are extreme versions, the principle applies to all of us: control the structure of your time, or distractions will take it over.

    The beauty of time blocking is that it’s flexible. You can set aside deep work sessions in the morning, client calls in the afternoon, and even downtime in the evening. By laying it out clearly, you reduce decision fatigue and free yourself to focus on execution.

    Why It Works

    The real power comes from consistency. Imagine you dedicate just one focused hour a day to high-value work. Over a year, that adds up to 250 hours—an entire month of concentrated effort on the projects that actually move the needle. You’re not working longer; you’re working with intention.

    How to Start

    1. Audit your week: Identify where time is leaking to low-value tasks.
    2. Block priorities first: Schedule strategy, creative work, or key projects before anything else.
    3. Batch distractions: Cluster emails, calls, and admin into set blocks so they don’t fragment your focus.
    4. Protect downtime: Block evenings or breaks to recharge. Rest is a strategic investment, not wasted time.

    Final Thought

    Ask yourself: is your calendar a reflection of your priorities—or everyone else’s? Time blocking isn’t about rigidity; it’s about clarity. When you run your schedule with intention, you build not just your day, but your future.

    👉 Want more surprising stories of innovation and ideas? Subscribe to Quick Insights on YouTube and get bite-sized history you can share at the breakfast table.

    Watch on YouTube
  • The Accidental Invention That Changed Breakfast Forever

    The Accidental Invention That Changed Breakfast Forever

    Watch on YouTube

    Have you ever wondered how something as ordinary as breakfast cereal became a multibillion-dollar industry? The answer might surprise you—it all started with a kitchen accident in the late 1800s.

    A Happy Accident in the Sanitarium Kitchen

    Brothers John Harvey Kellogg and Will Keith Kellogg were running a health sanitarium in Michigan. Obsessed with creating “pure” and healthy food for patients, they experimented constantly with grains.

    One day, after leaving a pot of boiled wheat sitting out too long, they decided to salvage it by rolling it flat. Instead of turning into the dense dough they expected, the wheat broke into light, thin flakes. When they toasted those flakes, the result was unexpectedly tasty—and people loved it.

    A Brotherly Divide

    This accident could have stayed just a quirky hospital recipe. But Will Kellogg saw a much bigger opportunity. He wanted to refine the flakes, add sugar, and bring them to the masses. John disagreed—he believed cereal should remain plain, focused only on health.

    Their disagreement grew so sharp that the brothers split. Will went on to found the Kellogg Company, transforming breakfast forever.

    The Legacy of a Mistake

    What started as a forgotten pot of wheat turned into a global industry. Today, cereal is a staple in homes around the world, generating billions each year.

    It’s a powerful reminder that innovation often comes from accidents, curiosity, and the courage to pursue an unexpected path.

    Takeaway

    Next time you pour a bowl of cereal, think about how it began—with a simple mistake and a sibling rivalry. Sometimes the greatest ideas are the ones you don’t see coming.

    Extra Curiosities for Readers

    • Other accidental food inventions include potato chips (created when a chef sliced potatoes too thin to annoy a customer) and popsicles (invented when a soda mixture froze overnight).
    • The Kellogg brothers’ feud went on for decades, with John accusing Will of betraying their original health mission.

    👉 Want more surprising stories of innovation and ideas? Subscribe to Quick Insights on YouTube and get bite-sized history you can share at the breakfast table.

    Watch on YouTube

  • Hello world!

    Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!

Powered by
►
Necessary cookies enable essential site features like secure log-ins and consent preference adjustments. They do not store personal data.
None
►
Functional cookies support features like content sharing on social media, collecting feedback, and enabling third-party tools.
None
►
Analytical cookies track visitor interactions, providing insights on metrics like visitor count, bounce rate, and traffic sources.
None
►
Advertisement cookies deliver personalized ads based on your previous visits and analyze the effectiveness of ad campaigns.
None
Powered by