When we talk about Learning “how to think out of the box” we generally mean coming up with ideas and thoughts most people won’t think of. To have new ideas and thoughts we need to keep feeding our minds. Whether you’re at work or any form of business, you must learn how to develop an innovative solution to perceived problems.
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Ways to think outside the box
Always Read
I can’t emphasize it enough. Reading exposes our minds to different ideas and thoughts. These ideas and thoughts fuel our imagination which in turn enables us to refine our thought process. Read from various genres. Just like taste can be acquired for wine and oysters, acquire a taste for genres you don’t generally read. Expose your mind to all the variety there is!!
Solve puzzles regularly.
Now if a person does a task once every month he too is regular. But when I talk about being regular I imply solving a puzzle or two every day or every two or three days. Puzzles sharpen our logical and analytical skills.
Write Articles
Try to write every day. Write on Wikipedia, and publish on medium. Maintain a blog. Or simply jot down your day-to-day happenings in a journal. The choice is yours. But try to write something every single day. Writing activates our grey cells. Be as creative as you can while penning down your thoughts.
Discuss, debate, and deliberate.
Have healthy discussions and debates on current affairs with your friends. Someone’s opinion and thoughts might help you refine your own. There are always two sides of the same coin. Deliberate on both sides. Try to form your own opinion on things.
One thing common in all the above activities is that these stimulate our brains in one way or the other. Try to engage yourself in as many mentally stimulating activities as possible, and you will start coming up with thoughts, ideas, and opinions that are generally unique to most people.
How to Think Creatively Outside the Box
Let’s talk about thinking out of the box, also known as lateral thinking. In practical terms, what does “Thinking outside the box mean”? Picture this: you’re driving down the highway, and you notice a series of speed limit signs ranging from 50 to 40 and then 30, then you’ll see 20, and after 20, comes 10.
The question is, what comes after the sign that says “SPEED LIMIT 10”? Most people would immediately think of zero or stopping because it decreases by 10 right? But the real answer is “WELCOME TO SPEED LIMIT.” Cool, right?
If you want to develop this kind of creative thinking, it’s not that hard! All you need to do is follow these steps:
- Come up with a regular solution to your problem.
- Then, completely forget about that solution.
- Think about the problem again and figure out its cause.
- Consider if there’s another way the same problem could appear.
- Come up with a normal solution for that new way the problem could occur.
- Keep repeating these steps until you come up with a truly out-of-the-box solution.
This process is a pretty basic way to think outside the box, but it’s a great way to start! If you’re really into it, you might want to consider attending a workshop or two to get an inside look. But even if you don’t, these steps will get you on the right track. Happy brainstorming!
Effective Ways to Boost Creative Thinking
Create a conducive environment for creativity
This includes both physical and psychological aspects. A workspace that is comfortable, stimulating, and free from distractions can foster creative thinking. Similarly, a culture that encourages risk-taking and values diverse opinions can empower individuals to think more freely and innovatively.
Practice mindfulness and meditation
This can help clear mental clutter and improve focus. These practices can enhance your ability to think deeply and creatively by reducing stress and promoting a state of relaxed alertness. A calm mind is more likely to generate original ideas.
Engage in brainstorming sessions
This is highly beneficial. These sessions should be structured to encourage free thinking and the sharing of wild ideas without immediate criticism. The goal is to generate as many ideas as possible, which can later be refined and developed into viable solutions.
Take breaks and allow for downtime
This has proven to be another important strategy to boost creative thinking. The brain often makes creative connections when it is not actively focused on a problem. Activities like walking, exercising, or even daydreaming can provide the mental space needed for creative insights to emerge.
Collaborate with others
Working in diverse teams where members bring different skills, perspectives, and experiences can lead to more innovative solutions. Collaboration encourages the exchange of ideas and can help refine and build upon initial concepts.
Use creative tools and techniques
This can also enhance your ability to think outside the box. Techniques such as mind mapping, lateral thinking exercises, and the SCAMPER method (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse) can help break conventional thinking patterns and generate new ideas.
Set aside dedicated time for creative thinking
This could be a specific time each day or week when you focus solely on generating new ideas and exploring different possibilities. Consistent practice can help develop and strengthen your creative thinking skills over time.
Embrace Failure as a learning opportunity
This is essential for fostering creativity. Understand that not all ideas will succeed and being willing to learn from mistakes can create a more open and experimental mindset. This resilience can lead to more persistent and innovative problem-solving.
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Create a Stimulating Environment
Surround yourself with inspiring materials, such as art, books, and music. A stimulating environment can spark new ideas and encourage innovative thinking.
Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation
Stress and mental clutter can stifle creativity. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and regular breaks can help clear your mind and make space for creative thoughts.
Encourage Curiosity
Cultivate a mindset of curiosity by asking questions and seeking to understand how things work. This inquisitive approach can lead to novel ideas and alternative solutions.
Engage in Brainstorming Sessions
Regular brainstorming sessions, whether alone or with a team, can help generate a plethora of ideas. Encourage free thinking and avoid immediate criticism to allow creative ideas to flow.
Use Creative Thinking Techniques
Techniques such as mind mapping, lateral thinking, and the SCAMPER method (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse) can help you approach problems from different angles.
Set Aside Time for Creative Activities
Dedicate specific times in your schedule for creative pursuits, whether it’s writing, drawing, or experimenting with new ideas. Consistent practice can enhance your creative thinking skills.
Learn from Failures
View failures as learning opportunities rather than setbacks. Analyzing what went wrong and how you can improve fosters a growth mindset, which is essential for creative thinking.
Limit Constraints
Sometimes, too many rules and guidelines can stifle creativity. Allow yourself the freedom to explore ideas without the pressure of immediate practicality or feasibility.