Surely you’ve heard the phrase “think outside the box”
- It’s one of the most well-worn phrases not just in the business world but throughout the realm of real life.
- Speaking generally, it means to think differently, unconventionally or from a fresh, different perspective.
- The saying is an attempt to inspire (and accept) free, creative thinking.
While we rely heavily on computers, algorithms and neural networks for so much, those very tools would only be a figment of our imagination had there been no “outside-the-box” thinking.
The origin of “thinking outside the box”, according to many, traces back to the 1960s and the use of the “9 dots” puzzle, which was originally published in 1914 in a book called the Cyclopedia of Puzzles by Sam Lloyd.
- The puzzle consisted of the following diagram and the instructions: Link all 9 dots using four straight lines or fewer, without lifting the pen and without tracing the same line more than once.
Go ahead and print/write that out — probably a few times — and give it a try.
- What you’ll eventually find is that you’re going to have to think “outside the box” to come up with a solution.
- Even though there’s no instruction to stay within the box, most minds immediately tend to build a box, which instantly puts a constraint in place.
- Thinking outside the box, meanwhile, removes as many constraints as possible — leading to the most original and innovative solutions.
Re-source: Recondition
Thinking outside the box is an incredibly powerful and useful tool; however, it can be a bit scary.
- After all, it tends to be a bit safer to err on the side of conventional wisdom.
The reality, however, is that outside-the-box thinking is a powerful key that can open countless doors:
- It allows you to generate more possibilities.
- It forces you to ask questions (i.e., question the status quo)
- It helps you step outside your comfort zone.
- It inspires others, helping them step out of their comfort zone.
- It creates tremendous learning opportunities.
- It opens doors to unforeseen results.
- It allows you to stand out from the crowd.
- It inspires critical thinking skills.
If you tend to struggle with outside-the-box thinking, the next time you’re faced with a problem, approach it from a different perspective.
- There’s more than one way from point A to point B.
- Think wide, think differently, or maybe, don’t think at all.
craving and resource from “Change That Up” – changethatup.com
