How To Think Outside The Box

Too often we allow "accepted" ways of doing things to infiltrate the way we see the world. We create limiting beliefs for ourselves based on what we think others think of us.

For example, we might decide that we aren't ready to start speaking out in meetings because we are too young / others our age don't ever speak in meetings.

Instead, challenge those limiting beliefs with contrary evidence.

For example, the last time you spoke out at a meeting, your boss liked your idea. Plus, you're a better speaker than the others. And finally, you genuinely believe your idea is worth sharing.

We are very often presented with a problem, which we immediately try to solve.

It could be a problem we think we have (e.g. we don't have enough money to go on a nice holiday), or it could be a problem our colleague asks us to help solve at work.

Either way, far too often people waste time trying to solve problems at a superficial level. We don't first seek to understand WHY the problem is a problem at all, or whether there is a more fundamental problem we should be trying to solve.

So, when presented with a problem, ask "Why?" five times - this helps you identify what is REALLY at stake.

Other ways of thinking open us up to new ways of approaching problems we may otherwise struggle to solve.

Watch YouTube videos or listen to podcasts where you expose yourself to the views of others. AND most importantly, watch / listen with an open mind and allow your views to be challenged.

Speaking to a friend or family member who doesn't work in the same field as you / know anything about your problem is a great way to think about things differently.

First, you'll have to explain the problem in a very simple and easy-to-understand way, which may help give you some mental clarity / identify where your own understanding is poor.

Second, their fresh perspective may open your mind to a whole new way of approaching the issue.