Thinking

Innovation: Keys to Breaking out of the Box of Tradition

What is Innovation? 7 Keys to Breaking out of the Box of Tradition

Leave a Comment / Innovation, Thinking / By Iredafe Owolabi

https://youtu.be/c9FGOHKmWy8 Innovation vs Tradition: Keys to Breaking Out of the Box In a world that is constantly evolving, the clash between innovation and tradition has become a defining characteristic of our times. Intentionally breaking out of the box has become the only way to thrive. While tradition, rooted in the methods of the past, provides us with a sense of comfort that comes with stagnation; innovation on the other hand drives progress and propels us into the future. Often seen as opposing forces, these two paradigms are locked in a perpetual struggle for dominance. However, the key to thriving in this dynamic landscape lies in our ability to break out of the box and harness the best of both worlds. In this blog post, we will explore the delicate balance between innovation and tradition while breaking out of the box of tradition. This is important if you want to climb unto new heights of creativity and success. What is Innovation? Innovation refers to the process of introducing new ideas, products, services, methods, or technologies that bring about significant improvements or changes to the current state of affairs. It involves creative thinking, problem-solving, and the application of novel approaches to address challenges or fulfill unmet needs. The goal of innovation is to constantly break you away from the “cocoon” called tradition. But the goal of tradition is to make people hold onto a method for too long. Innovation holds onto the principles behind past and current methods but keeps inventing and reinventing better ways or methods of achieving the desired result. Another good thing about innovation is that it may sometimes also bring about the discovery and use of a better principle and method altogether. Innovation does not wait for a method to stop working before developing a better one. But tradition holds onto a method that worked long ago even though it is no longer efficient. Do not get married to your methods because they worked before! What is Tradition? Tradition is a set of old ideas, beliefs, custom, practice, or information that have been passed down from one generation to another with or without true understanding of its origin and purpose. Traditions are bound to be done away with, changed or modified to suit the need of the hour. Rigid people however, are resistant to innovative change. They devote their time, energy and resources to protect traditions which came into existence as a result of past experiences, limited exposure or outdated information. The most annoying part is that most times they do not even know the origin of such limiting traditions and conventions. This is why every individual who wants to come out of the cage of convention and tradition must be a student of history especially as it concerns his particular area of interest. Some traditional practices are not bad in themselves because they were invented to serve a particular purpose based on the level of exposure that was available when they came into existence. However the problem with tradition is that it gets handed down and transmitted to a totally new generation with different sets of challenge and a better degree of exposure. Further Reading:1. The 2 Basic Differences Between Creativity and Innovation2. 4 Reasons Why Creativity Is Important in Life and Beyond The Power of Innovation Innovation is the engine that drives progress and propels society forward. It is the force that disrupts the status quo and challenges existing norms. Embracing innovation opens the door to new possibilities and opportunities, empowering us to solve complex problems and improve our lives in unprecedented ways. Innovators push the boundaries of what is possible, leading to groundbreaking discoveries, technologies, and solutions. For more insights on how to tap into the realm of innovation, read this blog: The Creative Power of Questions: 5 Keys to Innovative Discoveries. https://youtu.be/BxP-3g52VtY Keys to Breaking Out of the Box 1. Break Free from Limiting Beliefs Tradition cages people into a particular convention and trades its practices from one generation to another and no one dares think in the line of change and innovation. The clash between innovation and tradition often stems from rigid thinking and the fear of change. Breaking out of the box requires you to challenge your own limiting beliefs and be open to new ideas and perspectives. For more insights into this, check out one of my books titled: “4D Thinking“. 2. Welcome Change as a Constant Change is the only constant in life, and both innovation and tradition are essential for navigating this ever-changing landscape. Instead of seeing them as opposing forces, we can view them as complementary elements in a continuous cycle of adaptation and improvement. By embracing change as an integral part of life, we become more resilient and agile in the face of challenges and uncertainties. For more insights on the benefits of change, check out this article. 3. Preserving Core Values while Pursuing Progress Breaking out of the box requires us to strike a delicate balance between preserving our core values and embracing progress. It is possible to honor principle-based tradition while incorporating innovative practices that align with our values. By doing so, we ensure that our advancements are rooted in integrity and respect for the past. 4. Fostering a Culture of Innovation To embrace both innovation and tradition, organizations must foster a culture that encourages creativity and forward-thinking while appreciating the significance of established practices. Encouraging employees to experiment, take risks, and learn from failures can lead to groundbreaking innovations. At the same time, recognizing and celebrating the value of principle-oriented tradition can enhance employee morale and commitment. 5. Leading by Example Breaking out of the box starts with individual leadership. Leaders who embrace a balanced approach to innovation and tradition can inspire their teams to do the same. By demonstrating that change is essential for growth and that tradition is the foundation for progress, leaders set the stage for a harmonious coexistence of both paradigms. Conclusion: Innovation and Tradition The clash between innovation and tradition is

What is Creativity? Here is My Powerful 7-Sided Definition!

2 Comments / Creativity, Innovation, Problem-solving, Thinking / By Iredafe Owolabi

https://youtu.be/nO4NqYN99v0 What Is Creativity? Introduction How do we define this elusive and intangible force that sparks our imagination and pushes the boundaries of human potential? This is the only article you need to understand the meaning of creativity in a way that you can explain it to a 3rd-grader without leaving them more confused. In this blog, we will delve deep into the concept of creativity, exploring its nature, its importance, and the ways it manifests in our lives. Misconception about Creativity – Big Thinking with no Doing When I discovered that creativity was a subject I was passionate about, I did a lot of research on the topic but was disappointed to find out that there was not enough insight out there. Most articles I came across online could not do justice to the definition of creativity. They seemed unable to distinguish between creativity and big thinking. That’s why, in all my interactions, be it speaking engagements or day-to-day conversations with friends, family, and people in general, I always make sure to differentiate between having great ideas and being creative. Having bright ideas is fantastic, but it does not amount to creativity. Creativity is an action word. You can think passively, but you cannot create passively. You must take a step, act, and make that change you have always imagined in your mind to truly be creative. Additional Resources1. Where Do Innovative Ideas Come From? 6 Channels2. 10 Reasons Why Creativity and Innovation is Important in Business and Work3. 8 Great Ways to Amplify Your Creativity With Intuition Define Creativity One day, a lady approached me with an intriguing request: she wanted me to explain the concept of creativity to her without using the direct terms “creative” or “create.” She sought a deeper understanding of what I meant when I referred to her own inherent creativity. In response, I offered her an analogy which I believe captures the essence of creativity. I said to her, “Your creativity is like a refined gift at work—a masterpiece of untapped potential, well-furnished for display. It’s a learned skill in motion, representing ideas that come alive through purposeful action.” I went further to say, “Think of it as your unprocessed food ingredients getting transformed into a well-cooked meal, teasing your senses with their flavors and aromas. Your creativity is what turns raw meat into a tasty, finger-licking chicken soup.” I guess she could relate more to this analogy because, by her own admission, she loved cooking. At its core, creativity is the ability to generate novel ideas and convert them to tangible solutions, or expressions that possess originality, value, and relevance. It is not limited to the realm of artists or inventors; rather, it is a universal capacity that every individual possesses to varying degrees. Creativity allows us to connect seemingly unrelated dots, to see the world from different perspectives, and to break away from conventional thinking. How to be Creative: the Creative Process The creative process is an intricate journey that often involves several stages. First, there is the stage of preparation, where one immerses themselves in the subject matter, gathers knowledge, and seeks inspiration. Next comes the incubation phase, during which the mind processes the information subconsciously, allowing ideas to germinate. This often leads to the “aha” moment in the illumination phase, where the breakthrough idea emerges seemingly out of nowhere. Lastly, there is the verification and implementation stage, where the idea is refined, tested, and put into action. By the way, to invite me for a keynote or presentation on creativity or related topics, kindly fill in the details of the invite here. So, What is Creativity? My 7-sided Definition. In the second chapter of my latest book titled “Ignite Your Creativity“, I went into great detail in a bid to explain what creativity truly meant. In this section, you can get a brief highlight. Creativity is a multi-faceted and powerful phenomenon that enriches human experience and drives innovation across various domains. Here are the seven key points from “Ignite Your Creativity” that provide a brief explanation of creativity: 1. Ability to Create: At its core, creativity is the innate ability to generate new ideas, concepts, and tangible outputs. It involves bringing something into existence that didn’t exist before, whether it’s a piece of art, a novel solution to a problem, or a novel product. If you would like to master your creating capacity, check out this blog: 5 Steps to Master Your Creativity. 2. Ability to Solve Problems: Creativity serves as a potent problem-solving tool. It enables individuals to think outside the box, break free from conventional patterns, and devise inventive solutions to complex challenges. 3. Ability of Uniqueness in State and Approach: Creativity celebrates individuality and originality. It involves expressing ideas and concepts in distinctive ways, reflecting the creator’s unique perspective and approach. 4. A Propelling Force: Creativity is a driving force that fuels progress and growth. It serves as a catalyst for advancement in various fields, encouraging exploration and pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and understanding. 5. Dynamic Change of State: The creative process is dynamic and ever-evolving. It involves navigating through multiple stages of ideation, experimentation, refinement, and realization, leading to continuous change and evolution. 6. Ability to Be Divergent: Creativity thrives on divergent thinking, the capacity to explore a wide range of possibilities and perspectives. It encourages embracing ambiguity and exploring unconventional paths. https://youtu.be/JvSsHorGTwA 7. Ability to Be Productive: Creativity is not solely about generating ideas; it also involves translating those ideas into tangible outcomes. Productivity is a crucial aspect of creativity, transforming imagination into something concrete and impactful. In summary, creativity encompasses the ability to create, solve problems, and approach situations uniquely. It serves as a propelling force for progress, embracing a dynamic and divergent process, all while promoting productivity and transforming abstract ideas into reality. Creativity in Different Domains 1. Artistic Creativity: In the world of art, creativity flourishes through painting, music, literature, dance, and other forms of

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8 Great Ways to Amplify Your Creativity With Intuition

Leave a Comment / Creativity, Innovation, Problem-solving, Thinking / By Iredafe Owolabi

8 Ways to Amplify your Creativity Through intuition Creativity is an extraordinary gift that resides within each of us, waiting to be unleashed. Often, we seek external sources for inspiration, overlooking a powerful internal compass that can elevate our creative endeavors – intuition. Intuition is the deep-seated knowing that arises from within, guiding us toward innovative solutions and artistic expressions. In this blog, I will share my personal experience with creativity using intuition and also the stories of others who achieved success in their own right. We will explore how to tap into your intuition in a bid to amplify your creativity and open the doors to boundless imagination. Understanding Intuition Intuition is often described as a gut feeling or an instinctive response to a situation without relying on logical reasoning. It is the voice of your subconscious mind, drawing on your accumulated knowledge, experiences, and emotions. Understanding the role of intuition in creativity is crucial to boosting your innovative mind’s capacity. Unlike rational thinking, intuition operates beyond conscious awareness, presenting you with insights, ideas, and visions that defy conventional thought processes. This is no longer news as it has been proven time and again that intuition and breakthrough ideas sometimes go together. Let us examine one of my numerous experiences with this side of creativity. Also Read: The 2 Basic Differences Between Creativity and Innovation Where Do Innovative Ideas Come From? 6 Channels Can Creativity Be Taught or Learned? 2 Powerful Reasons What Creativity is Not: 7 Popular Myths about Creativity My Personal Story One day as I worked in my capacity as a software engineer, I had a tricky puzzle to solve. You see, I had to fix some issues that were causing the company’s software to behave unexpectedly. It was a complex problem because there was a small mistake causing trouble, but the tricky part was that the mistake wouldn’t show up when anyone wanted to replicate it. It was like trying to catch a sneaky bug that only came out when no one was looking! So, there I was, sitting at my desk, feeling a bit lost because I couldn’t figure out where to search for the problem. But then something amazing happened. Suddenly, I heard a tiny voice inside me saying, “check the feature toggle.” It was like a whisper, but it grabbed my attention right away. By the way, if you want to extract your superpowers, solve big problems and make smarter decisions, I recommend you read “4D Thinking”. Now, let me explain what that means. You know when you have a button on your phone or computer that turns something on or off? Well, in this case, there was a special button that controlled a specific part of the program I was working on. It was called a “feature toggle.” It’s like having the power to switch a certain function of the program on or off. When I heard that little voice telling me to check the feature toggle, it was like a light bulb turning on in my head! I had a strong feeling that looking in that direction might just solve the problem. And guess what? It did! You see, sometimes our inner voice or intuition can guide us in the right direction when we are trying to solve a problem, even when things seem confusing or complicated. It’s like having a secret helper inside us, giving us clues to find the answers we’re looking for. So, with newfound confidence, I followed that intuitive message and examined the feature toggle. And just as I suspected, there was a little switch that was causing the trouble, and no one had a clue about it. By making a small adjustment, I fixed the bug, and everything started working smoothly. This story shows how our intuition can be an invaluable asset. It’s like having a smart advisor whispering helpful suggestions to us. And by listening to that inner voice, we can solve problems and find solutions, no matter how complex they may seem. Do you see how intuition’s link to idea generation bailed me at work? I know this is not a big deal like inventing a spacecraft but if you cannot trust your intuition for little problems, how would you tap into intuition in the creative process of a space ship? This explains how the switch of intuition can ignite your creativity if leveraged. Other People’s Opinion Richard Branson once said that he relies far more on gut instinct than researching huge amounts of statistics. In other words, he keeps himself abreast of statistical projections and permutations but ultimately leans toward his gut feeling. Similarly, Steve Jobs once said, “Intuition is a very powerful thing, more powerful than intellect, in my opinion.” Oprah Winfrey also shared, “I’ve trusted the still, small voice of intuition my entire life. And the only time I’ve made mistakes is when I didn’t listen.” To the outsider, it looks like these people have been blessed by luck. Everything they touch turns to gold. But the truth is that they’ve tapped into an intelligence that is rarely wrong. You can call it your gut feeling, your sixth sense, or even just a hunch, but each one of us has that inner voice that seeks to guide us. The trick is learning how to really listen and distinguish between the intuitive guiding hand of your human spirit and your own mental chatter. Intuition refers to the ability to understand or know something instinctively, without the need for conscious reasoning or analysis. It is often described as a “gut feeling” or an inner sense that guides decision-making or problem-solving. Intuition can manifest as sudden insights, hunches, or a deep sense of knowing. Intuition plays a significant role in the creative process. Creativity involves generating novel ideas, making connections between seemingly unrelated concepts, and finding innovative solutions to problems. Intuition acts as a switch for creativity by facilitating the flow of ideas and allowing the mind to make unconventional

6 Easy Steps to Solve Problems with Mindstorming

Leave a Comment / Creativity, Problem-solving, Thinking / By Iredafe Owolabi

How to Solve Problems with Mindstorming In today’s world, where conventional thinking often falls short, it’s essential to tap into the depths of your mind to find innovative solutions to problems. While the conscious mind plays a significant role in decision-making, it’s the combination of conscious and subconscious thinking that can lead to extraordinary results. Mindstorming, a technique that leverages both realms of the mind, allows us to transcend traditional boundaries and discover unconventional approaches to problem-solving. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the concept of mindstorming and explore how it can unleash your creativity and revolutionize your problem-solving abilities. Mindstorming vs Brainstorming When we engage in brainstorming, we harness the power of our minds to generate ingenious solutions based on the information, knowledge, and experiences stored in our brains. Mindstorming takes idea generation to a more profound level by tapping into both the conscious and subconscious mind. While brainstorming focuses primarily on conscious thinking, mindstorming expands our exploration to the realm of the subconscious. Our subconscious mind possesses immense creative potential and can offer unconventional perspectives and insights. By incorporating both realms of the mind, mindstorming allows us to unlock deeper levels of creativity and discover solutions that go beyond conventional thinking. It involves introspection, reflection, and the exploration of intuitive ideas that may not have emerged solely through conscious brainstorming. Can We Solve Problems with Mindstorming? Mindstorming is a powerful technique that taps into the potential of both the conscious and subconscious mind to solve problems and generate innovative solutions. By expanding our thinking beyond the limitations of logical reasoning and conventional approaches, mindstorming opens up new avenues for problem-solving. Let’s explore how mindstorming can be an effective tool in tackling various challenges. If you want to know more about the conscious mind, check out this blog. How Does Mindstorming Help You Become a Problem-Solver? It helps you Go Beyond the Conscious Mind: Your conscious mind, although capable of rational thinking and logical analysis, has its limitations. It often operates within the framework of known information and experiences. However, many complex problems require thinking beyond what is readily available to you.When you mindstorm, you are able to access your subconscious mind, which holds a vast reserve of untapped ideas, memories, and patterns. By tapping into this deeper level of thinking, you can explore unconventional solutions that the conscious mind might overlook. It helps you Unleash Creative Thinking: Mindstorming encourages the free flow of ideas without judgment or limitations. It creates an environment where your creativity can flourish.By engaging the subconscious mind, which is more closely connected to your creative faculties, mindstorming enables you to think outside the box and explore unique perspectives. This approach often leads to breakthrough solutions and innovative approaches to problem-solving.For more insight into how to unlock your creativity, check this out. It helps you Make Unconscious Connections: The subconscious mind has a remarkable ability to make connections and associations that may not be apparent to the conscious mind.Through mindstorming, you can tap into this innate capacity and allow your mind to explore uncharted territories.Ideas that seem unrelated on the surface may reveal surprising connections when you delve deeper into the subconscious realm. These connections can provide valuable insights and fresh perspectives that can lead to effective problem-solving. It helps you Access Intuition and Gut Feelings: Mindstorming involves more than just analytical thinking; it embraces intuitive insights and gut feelings.The subconscious mind has access to a wealth of information and wisdom that may not be readily accessible to the conscious mind.By incorporating intuition into your mindstorming process, you can tap into this inner guidance system and gain valuable insights that can guide your problem-solving efforts. If you would like to learn more about this concept, check out my latest books titled “Unlocking your creativity” and “4D Thinking“. It helps you Enhance Collective Thinking: Mindstorming is not limited to individual brainstorming; it can be a collaborative process as well.When multiple minds come together to engage in mindstorming, the collective power of the subconscious mind is amplified.Through collaborative mindstorming sessions, diverse perspectives and ideas merge, leading to even more innovative solutions and problem-solving approaches. The Subconscious Mind’s Role in Problem-Solving: The conscious mind, driven by logic and reason, often relies on available facts and data to solve problems. However, its limitations can restrict us to conventional solutions. By engaging the subconscious mind in the process, mindstorming takes problem-solving to a whole new level. The subconscious mind has the power to explore possibilities beyond the realm of conscious thinking, making connections and generating ideas that are “beyond the box.” Renowned individuals like Donald Trump, Thomas Edison, and Albert Einstein have embraced the power of their subconscious minds to solve complex problems and make critical decisions with exceptional outcomes. If you would like to know more about brainstorming, you can read about how to brainstorm ideas and creative solutions here. The Deliberate Art of Mindstorming: Mindstorming is not a matter of chance; it is a deliberate art that can be cultivated and nurtured. One effective technique, as suggested by Brian Tracy in his book “Goals,” involves writing down the problem you want to solve at the top of a sheet of paper. For example, if you aim to boost sales for your business, write, “How can I boost sales of my product (service)?” Then, generate a list of ten, twenty, or more potential solutions. This exercise triggers both your conscious and subconscious minds to work together. The more ideas you generate, the closer you get to uncovering unique and groundbreaking solutions. Select the most compelling ideas and repeat the process, breaking them down further until you have actionable steps. Steps to Solve Problems with Mindstorming Step 1: Define the Problem Before diving into mindstorming, it is crucial to clearly define the problem you want to solve. A well-defined problem statement provides focus and direction for the mindstorming process. Ask yourself questions such as: What is the main issue? What are the underlying causes? What are the desired

How Divergent Thinking Can Quickly Boost Your Creativity – 5 Ways

Leave a Comment / Creativity, Problem-solving, Thinking / By Iredafe Owolabi

How Divergent Thinking Can Boost Your Creativity In a rapidly evolving world where innovation is key, creativity has become a highly valued trait. However, unlocking the full potential of our creative minds requires us to embrace divergent thinking. Divergent thinking, characterized by the ability to generate multiple unique ideas, paves the way for innovation and can fuel your creative brilliance. In this blog, we will explore the connection between divergent thinking and creativity, highlighting how it can boost your imaginative powers and drive you towards groundbreaking solutions. But first let us understand divergent thinking. What is Divergent Thinking? Divergent thinking is the art of exploring multiple possibilities and perspectives when confronted with a problem or task. Unlike convergent thinking, which focuses on finding a single correct answer, divergent thinking encourages you to break free from traditional thought patterns and venture into uncharted territory. It allows you to think beyond the obvious, welcoming unconventional ideas and approaches. If you would like to learn more about thinking beyond the obvious, take a look at one of my books titled 4D Thinking here. An Insight from the famous Movie – Divergent When I think about divergence, it reminds me of the lady who played a significant role in the popular award-winning movie titled “Divergent.” In the movie, people were assigned to factions based on their qualities, skills, and abilities. The female protagonist, named “Tris,” possessed uncanny abilities that set her apart from others in different factions. However, like many inherently creative individuals struggling with their identity, she had to battle the fear of standing out because of her differences. Eventually, she learned that she was divergent, but she was also told that she needed to conform in order to survive; otherwise, she would face death. In an attempt to fit in and ensure her survival, she tried to suppress her uniqueness and become convergent with other people’s expectations and standards. This internal struggle persisted until her loved ones were in grave danger, and it was her unique abilities that she had feared to manifest that became her only means of defense. Fortunately, she took the risk and used her divergence to help those she cared about, breaking free from the fear of judgment. This situation captures what many gifted, talented, and potentially creative people experience. They fear standing out from the crowd, worried that they might be perceived as too different. Their minds operate from a divergent plane of reasoning, leading them to think differently. However, they are often made to believe that there is something wrong with them for daring to think outside the box. For a deeper dive into different dimensions of thinking, get this book titled “Fourth Dimensional Thinking“. How to Boost your Creativity with Divergent Thinking 1. Break the Shackles of Conformity: Conformity often hinders creativity. Divergent thinking empowers you to challenge assumptions and question established norms. By encouraging you to think outside the box, divergent thinking enables you to break free from conventional wisdom and explore new realms of possibility. It liberates your mind from the constraints of conformity, opening up a world of fresh perspectives and original ideas. 2. Embrace Unpredictability and Uncertainty: Divergent thinking celebrates ambiguity. It teaches you to embrace uncertainty and navigate through uncharted territories with confidence. By venturing into the unknown, you can uncover hidden connections, novel insights, and innovative solutions. Divergent thinking allows you to see the potential in the unpredictable and harness it as a catalyst for creativity. 3. Make Unexpected Connections: One of the greatest strengths of divergent thinking lies in its ability to establish connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. It encourages you to explore diverse disciplines, draw inspiration from different sources, and amalgamate ideas to create something truly unique. The power of divergent thinking lies in its ability to blend the familiar with the unfamiliar, leading to groundbreaking breakthroughs and awe-inspiring creations. 4. Foster Collaborative Creativity: Divergent thinking thrives in collaborative environments. When individuals with diverse perspectives come together, the collective power of their divergent thinking multiplies. Collaborative brainstorming sessions, ideation workshops, and creative team meetings can spark a synergy of ideas, where each participant contributes their unique viewpoints, resulting in innovative and exceptional solutions. For more on creativity, checkout my book titled “Ignite Your Creativity“. 5. Nurture Divergent Thinking Skills: Divergent thinking is a skill that can be cultivated and strengthened. To enhance your divergent thinking abilities, you can engage in exercises such as brainstorming, mind mapping, and free writing. Find ways to enhance your ability to think outside the box. You can check this article out to learn more about this: How to Think Outside the Box. These techniques stimulate idea generation and encourage the exploration of various possibilities. Additionally, immersing yourself in creative activities like painting, music, or writing can help unlock your imaginative potential and enhance divergent thinking skills. For more on unconventional thinking, check out my book titled “Fourth Dimensional Thinking“. Conclusion: Divergent thinking is the fuel that ignites the fires of creativity within us. By embracing this mindset, we unlock limitless possibilities, challenge the status quo, and foster groundbreaking innovation. In a world where originality and fresh perspectives are in high demand, divergent thinking serves as the gateway to unlocking our creative brilliance. So, embrace divergent thinking, break free from conformity, and watch as your imagination soars to new heights, propelling you towards transformative and extraordinary accomplishments. As you embrace the limitless power of your divergent thinking you will unveil a world of boundless creativity waiting to be unleashed within you PS : If you would like to schedule me for a keynote presentation at your event or conference, you can do that here.

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How to Think Outside the Box: 10 Proven Strategies

Leave a Comment / Thinking, Creativity, Problem-solving / By Iredafe Owolabi

How to Think Outside the Box Whenever I ponder on the phrase “Think outside the box”, the words fourth dimensional thinking comes to mind. I began to investigate and understand this concept when I was invited to be a keynote speaker at a 3 day conference in the year 2018. I spent time studying this concept until I came to a personal conclusion of what it means to think outside the box in truth. This culminated in the birth of two of my books titled “4D Thinking” and “Unlocking your Creativity”. What is A Dimension of Thinking? A dimension of thinking can be seen as the way things, situations, problems and circumstances appear to a person, when viewed from a certain direction or perspective. Simply put, your dimension can also be seen as your plane of existence or plane of reasoning, and it reflects on how you see things. This plays a pivotal role in determining how you view the circumstances or problems you face at your home, office, business, school and in life generally. There are diferent dimensons of thinking. There are zero dimensional thinkers, one dimensional thinkers, two dimensional thinkers, third dimensional thinkers and fourth dimensional thinkers. Your dimension also affects your approach toward problem-solving and this holds a serious impact in how much you experience the upward and forward movement we know as progress. It shapes how you perceive and approach the challenges you encounter. The way you see the world greatly influences your problem-solving abilities and determines the extent of your progress. By expanding our dimension of thinking, and going beyond third dimensional to fourth dimensional thinking, you unlock new possibilities and open the doors to success. What does “Think outside the Box” mean? To think outside the box is to think beyond the third dimensional plane of reasoning. The “box” refers to the third dimension, and the third dimension is characterised by what we can see, touch, feel, taste and hear with our natural senses. To be creative, you need to be able to think beyond the ordinary plane of existence. No wonder the Bible says that things that are visible were not made from the things that appear to the natural senses (Heb 11:3). In other words, if you want to bring something into existence, you have to function in the fourth dimension, which is an invisible realm. From the fourth dimenson, you can bring into existence in the third dimension, whatever you capture with your mind. How to Think Outside the Box 1. Embrace Curiosity Cultivate a natural curiosity about the world around you. Ask questions, seek new perspectives, and challenge assumptions. Be open to exploring different viewpoints and consider unconventional ideas. 2. Practice Divergent Thinking Divergent thinking involves generating a wide range of ideas and possibilities. Engage in brainstorming sessions or mind mapping exercises to encourage free-flowing, unrestricted thinking. Allow yourself to explore even the most seemingly wild or unusual ideas without judgment. Check this blog for more insight on how to brainstorm ideas. Also read this blog for more insights on how to be a divergent thinker. 3. Seek Inspiration from Unrelated Fields Look beyond your immediate area of expertise or industry for inspiration. Draw insights from different disciplines, cultures, or historical periods. Explore art, literature, science, or nature to spark fresh connections and unique perspectives. 4. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity Don’t be afraid to take risks or make mistakes. Embrace failure as a valuable learning experience that can lead to unexpected discoveries. View setbacks as opportunities to reassess, pivot, and explore alternative paths. 5. Surround Yourself with Diverse Thinkers Engage in conversations and collaborations with individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. This diversity of thought can challenge your own assumptions and inspire new ways of thinking. 6. Break Routines and Patterns Step out of your comfort zone and break away from established routines and patterns. Introduce novelty into your daily life by trying new experiences, visiting new places, or exposing yourself to unfamiliar situations. This can stimulate fresh perspectives and open up new avenues of thinking. 7. Encourage Playfulness and Creativity Incorporate playful activities, hobbies, or creative outlets into your life. Engaging in activities like painting, writing, or playing musical instruments can stimulate your imagination and encourage innovative thinking. 8. Embrace Constraints Instead of viewing constraints as limitations, see them as opportunities for creative problem-solving. Embracing limitations can spur innovative solutions and force you to think beyond the obvious. 9. Practice Mindfulness and Reflection Set aside dedicated time for reflection, meditation, or mindfulness practices. These activities can help quiet the mind, enhance self-awareness, and encourage deeper insights and connections. Read this blog for more insights on mindstorming. 10. Continuously Learn and Stay Curious Foster a lifelong love of learning. Stay updated with current trends, advancements, and emerging technologies in your field and beyond. Explore new ideas, attend workshops or conferences, and seek out opportunities for personal and professional growth. Conclusion: Think outside the Box By incorporating these practices into your life, you can nurture your ability to think outside the box and embrace the limitless potential of your imagination. Unlock the power of unconventional thinking and embark on a journey of continuous growth, innovation, and creative problem-solving. Let me know your response in the comment section. What strategies you are going to start using right away? Additional resource: How I Became a Thought Leader in Creativity – 10 Inspiring Stories 5 Amazing Creativity Lessons I Borrowed From Mary 8 Great Ways to Amplify Your Creativity With Intuition PS: If you would like to schedule me to be a keynote speaker for your event or conference to speak and present on creativity related topics that could stimulate your attendees to become fourth dimensional thinkers, fill this form and we can work something out. Check out my latest book titled “Ignite Your Creativity” here.

What is Creativity? Here is My Powerful 7-Sided Definition!

8 Great Ways to Amplify Your Creativity With Intuition

6 Easy Steps to Solve Problems with Mindstorming

How Divergent Thinking Can Quickly Boost Your Creativity – 5 Ways

How to Think Outside the Box: 10 Proven Strategies

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