There Is No Box
There is no box. There never was one. We just got taught to think inside one. You see, it was a management issue. With so many kids to teach at once, it’s more productive to teach one way of thinking than to manage a room full of creativity. . . . So when we weren’t looking, many of us learned the fundamentals of problem-solving, how to color inside the lines, and a way of thinking about things that isn’t all that different from a mime inside a box.
Just like the box that the mime pushes and touches even though you can’t see it. The box that we think inside isn’t real. The way to get out is easy enough–just stop believing in the box.
Life Without the Box
Life without the box is so much easier. It’s as if you now can use all modes of transportation available rather than always having to walk. The resources of your brain are freed up. Even better, it’s a lot more fun, once you get used to it, because thinking outside of the proverbial box involves playing with ideas not just thinking.
DaVinci knew it. So did Einstein. Most inventors couldn’t find the inside of the box if they tried. All great thinkers–folks we call geniuses–know that there’s nothing new to be gathered by staying where everyone else is doing their thinking. So let’s get on with getting out of it.
What You’ll Find Outside the Box
Every day, I’ll offer a strategy and some ideas for approaching your business from a new direction. Each strategy will be flexible and realistic. I’ll show you how to apply it to writing, problem solving, or refining your brand.
To be useful, even thinking outside of the box needs structure, so I’ll be using a problem-solution format. Then within each solution I’ll offer three content subsets: Information, Presentation/Form, and YOU/Function. Those three subheads come directly from What Is Content that Keeps Readers?
So, if you’re ready, I am. Enough with this introduction, let’s let the games begin. Everyone can think like a genius. It only takes a little practice, and a firm commitment to throw away the darn box.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
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I’m looking forward to this Liz. It’s hard to throw away the box when you’re not even aware you’ve been hiding inside it for years…
Thanks for taking this one head on.
Hi Robert,
I’m so glad to hear that. I’m just about to put up another post. This series is going to last for quite a while I think–she said thinking out side of the box. (with a big Cheshire cat grin)
It’s not a hard one for me to take on. I’ve been told I think wrong all of my life. For once it’s working in my favor and I’m going to take full advantage of that.
YEA!!!
Liz
Niiiice … lets get the ball rolling. I’m all for living outside of the box – pretty much spent my life doing it … don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing :-).
Hi Martin,
So where would you like to start. I was thinking about in the middle . . . Got any ideas beyond that?
liz
I’ll leave it all up to you, Liz …
Get into brainstorming and controlled right brain use (imo, sometimes creativity is a lost art in business) and I’ll be turning this into an eBook 😉
Martin,
I think there’s a long running series here. Thinking with the right brain, pulling things apart and putting them back together again, to get to the ideas and to get things done–there’s a wealth of information to mine and share.
I’ve got notes and notes and notes and some of it makes beautiful music. 🙂
liz
No box? I bet you’re going to tell me there’s no santa claus, next.
Great points, Liz…like the way you added back a little structure.
Marianne
Hi Marianne,
Need the structure in order to keep us honest. Can’t be too free floating or we’ll lose our way completely. I like to make sure things get done too. 🙂
That way I have time to make cookies for Santa Claus. . . .
Smiles,
Liz