Think Outside of the Box?

We tend to talk about how to think outside of the box as though everyone already understands what is meant by this phrase. Most have a rough idea that it is about being more creative and open minded. That's certainly part of it, but shouldn't we ask what the "box" is that we want to get our thinking out of?

I'll have more to say on that shortly. However, let's start with a simple test to help you better understand what follows. From the list below, choose which items are necessary for a car, and write down the corresponding numbers:

1. Keys... 2. Wheels... 3. Seat belts... 4. Trunk... 5. Glove box... 6. Seats... 7. Steering wheel... 8. Roof... 9. Ash trays... 10. Carpeting... 11. Gas tank... 12. Radio...13. Brake pedal... 14. Mirrors

Now, take a list at your list and count how many items you have. Perhaps you have just two or three things. Some readers who saw where this was leading are looking at a blank piece of paper right now. This process of looking at what is "necessary" involves making assumptions, of course, and this is a big clue to what the "box" really represents. It's a whole set of ideas about how things "should be" or "have to be" or "always are." Our thinking is often trapped in this box.

If a car designer wanted to think outside of the box, then, he probably wouldn't just design a better rear-view mirror. He would question the assumption that a car needs one at all. A monitor showing a camera view of everything behind the car might be a better way. Naturally he could also get creative in designing a mirror too, maybe by questioning whether it needs to be inside, for example. Could it be a periscope that gives a view inside from the other mirror up above the roof outside? To get out of the box you go beyond the limitations imposed by what you and others already think about the subject or problem.

Now if you feel the need to argue that some of the things on the list really are necessary, you really need this little lesson. Some might say that seal belts are necessary because they are required by law, for example, but this just points to another assumption: that cars have to be designed according to current regulations and laws. Why not challenge that preconceived notion as well? Laws can be changed, after all.

Being new doesn't make ideas or changes automatically good of course, but among all the possible good and useful ideas, some will always be outside the normal assumptions. There may be a ton of bad ideas there too, but we only find the good ones if we get outside the box and winnow through what we find.

That brings us to two questions:

1. How do we get our thinking out of the box.

2. How do we apply this to more personal goals.

Among the many ways to stimulate more creative thinking are brain boosters, certain environments that are more conducive to creativity, and dozens of good problem-solving and idea-generating techniques. You can start right here though, with what this lesson about the "box" suggests: If the box is built from your assumptions and preconceived ideas, you break out by attacking those. When approaching a creative project, for example, write down any feelings, ideas and beliefs you and others have about it. One by one ask why they exist, and what other possibilities there are. Get at the roots of the matter too, by challenging any premises or assumptions.

An example of the latter: A discussion about how to build a school is premised on the idea that the school should be built, but is that true? Once this is asked, you naturally explore other options, like using an existing building or finding a way to teach without needing the students all in one room or building. The school may be built in the end, but it doesn't hurt to ask the questions, and if a better solution is out there, you might have to think outside of the box like this to discover it.

Now, since this is a self improvement site, the second question is about using this kind of creative thinking in personal matters. Essentially you follow the same method outlined above. You challenge assumptions in particular. Here are some questions one might ask:

"Do I really need this job?"

"Is it really his (or her) fault?"

"Is it actually true that I can't..."

"Do I have to resolve this problem?"

"Do I really need..."

"Is this the best way I have to deal with this?"

"Is this a disaster or a valuable lesson?"

A tip: challenge everything you possibly can. In the end you can keep your assumptions and beliefs if they still ring true. But it never hurts to think outside the box.