"If you think education is expensive, try ignorance." - Derek Bok
Vague information isn't just frustrating; it can
be dangerous to both your readers and your credibility. Anyone can dole
out generic information that they found on the Internet, but it doesn't
make them an expert. Providing ambiguous content or information that's
already saturating the market can achieve the opposite effect. It may
make you appear uniformed. And that ignorance (even if it's just the
perception of ignorance) is an expensive waste of time and money.
Let's take a step back for a second: An expert
is someone who has authoritative knowledge in their niche that has been
garnered through prolonged or intense experience. If you are an expert
in a field who lacks extensive insight on a particular topic or you're
out-of-touch with trends in your niche, you can gain first-hand
experience to acquire knowledge! All you have to do is open up to
continuous learning.
Before you throw an apple at my head, allow me
to explain: continuous learning isn't about reentering the classroom or
taking a course. It's about developing your reflection and inquiry
skills that are necessary for critical thinking. It's also about turning
your personal and professional life into your own laboratory for
exploration and innovation - the ultimate cure for ignorance.
12 Tips to Create Your Own Innovation Laboratory
- Be receptive by voraciously consuming information. Immerse
yourself into a topic every day. Shadow those who are in the field,
conduct interviews, experiment to gain first-hand experience, and
connect with real people.
- The better your mind and body is, then the better your ability to
retain information. Make sure you drink enough water, get enough sleep,
exercise, and consider eating healthier foods that target optimal brain
function.
- Stop multitasking. Research suggests multitasking can actually make
you less effective. Focus on what's in front of you by eliminating
distractions and practice better time management.
- Refine your speed-reading skills. Speed reading will help you
consume information faster by filtering out irrelevant information and
put a spotlight on new and important information.
- Get visual by mapping out a topic or create an information pyramid
that builds up from the basics to the most complex point. Consider
broader applications of your topic by analyzing the when, where, and why
it is important as well as for whom and how.
- Connect new topics to those already in your existing "knowledge
bank." How does the new information fit into the framework of the old?
Or is it a game changer?
- Examine what you know and ask yourself probing questions. Anything
that you can't answer or may not have a strong answer in, make an
on-going research to-do list.
- Read, listen, and watch. Increase the variety of ways you consume
information through a multi-media approach that touches on both visual
and auditory learning. Listen to lectures, read articles, watch videos,
look at charts, and much more.
- Collaborate and connect with your professional peers and actually
engage in discussions with them rather than passively adding them to
your network. Make valuable relationships that will grow.
- Allow your interests and passions to cross pollinate. This will not
only lend motivation, it will help you approach a topic with a new and
more meaningful perspective.
- Ditch your computer. Writing long hand has shown to stimulate ideas,
so ditch the computer and other tech (when brainstorming at least!).
Carry a notebook with you at all times to record meditative thoughts or
jot down an idea that suddenly came to you.
- Consider the source:
- Who is providing the information (e.g., credible author vs. "admin")?
- Why are they telling you the information (i.e., unbiased vs. self-serving)?
- Are they providing evidence that supports their stance or are they dropping generalizations?
- Are there holes in their logic?
- Did they leave key information out to spin a topic in their favor or manipulate your understanding of the topic?
Open yourself up to all sorts of information and
ideas by using these tips to avoid any poor impressions that vague,
unoriginal information gives readers.
How do you stay on top of your niche and brainstorm fresh ideas? Click here to let us know! |
To Your Article Writing Success & Passion!
