9 Simple Tricks Walt Disney, Thomas Edison, And Other Innovators Used To Come Up With Big Ideas

In "The Idea Hunter: How To Find The Best Ideas And Make Them Happen," management scholars Andy Boynton and Bill Fischer examine the world's most creative people and companies - with tons of best practices to be found inside.

"Habits and behaviors are more important than sheer brain power," Fischer says. "It's not the brightest who perform the best, but it's people who have figured out how to really prosper in an idea-rich society."

We've highlighted some of the best takeaways from the book, and added in a few more methods brilliant minds have used to make breakthroughs.

Aimee Groth and Jhaneel Lockhart contributed research to this article.