Thinking Outside of the Box
I feel this phrase has lost some of its significance. It has become a cliche, in some situations a knee-jerk “nugget” of guidance when a particular challenge seems too hard*. Now it seems we are always challenged to think outside of the box.
I’ve always understood that problem-solving and innovation require changes in perspective and scale, hunting for a specific target or mining the unknown with hopes of finding something shiny. The need to think and explore beyond the safe and known will always be necessary in any endeavor that requires innovation. In other words, there will always be boxes to think outside of.
Boxes can be very useful. Sometimes the solutions can be found in your box--if your box is big enough. Everyone builds their own box, but what do those boxes look like? I believe I shouldn't be thinking outside of my box too often, if I am, I need a bigger box. I think of mine as a toolbox kept full of reliable tools that have stood the test of time. Some tools need to be honed periodically. Worn out or ineffective tools must be replaced, and I'm always looking for new tools that I’ve never used before and new ways of using my old tools.
Do you know what your box looks like?
* my guidance If something seems too hard, understand it better
