Where do you go for inspiration outside of technical arenas?

Question

Maybe the title is not the best wording, and I haven't seen any similar questions (though I may have missed them).

Outside of 'keeping current' by reading tech news, Wired, etc, where do you go for non-technical inspiration on how to think about problems at hand in new/different ways?

For example, assembling a LEGO set, or doing an oil change might switch your mind around far enough that when you come back to a technical/implementation problem you're facing that you can think about it in a new/different way.

Answer 1

I play instruments, garden or do physical projects(ie, carving, modelling).

Answer 2

A reversed example would be like what Mel Bartholomew did for gardening when he developed Square Foot Gardening: he applied years of being a mechanical and process engineer to improving the planting efficiency of small gardens: why have two 4-foot-long rows of carrots when you could collapse them into a 1-by-2-foot square.

Answer 3

Usualy when i walk the dog, I find solutions to my problems. Sometimes i can look different on problems then.

Answer 4

You can find inspiration in anything you do. The most important thing is getting your mind off of the usual drag of things you're used to, and take a look at something else entirely. Enjoying and relaxing. Inspiration often hits you unexpectedly but for most people i suppose it's in the shower. ;)

Personally, i go for Astronomy and theoretical Physics to learn about the things our Universe holds in store for us. Another source of inspiration for me is, believe it or not, watching Mythbusters!

Answer 5

I usually get the most inspiration on a problem by stepping away, and trying to explain it to someone who doesn't know anything about it. That can engage different parts of my brain, that weren't actively used before.

Answer 6

• Reading some ayn rand always steels me to keep trying on problems.
• I love watching movies from a "how did they do this, or that" perspective.
• I also read lots of mystery novels and sci-fi. Very creative stuff with very creative solutions.

Answer 7

• Reading non-fiction (and not about solving the current problem!)
• Listen to music (off all kinds)
• Cook something (not a great cook, but it gets me up and standing, and moving about!)

Answer 8

Music, and moving around. One excellent way i found to clear my mind is Dances of Universal Peace, after which i'm much more clear thinking for a few days. The actions of learning strange words from an ancient language, remembering how to move, mindless repetition, and the joy of blending in harmony (yet not needing any actual talent) rebalances my brain. Also a great way to meet a variety of interesting people from around town, which also gets me out of technical ruts.