Some people struggle to “think outside the box,” and although it might seem like an extraordinary power that only a few people have, there are some techniques you can follow to promote this thought process. If you’ve thought being creative was a superpower, you might want to try the methods discussed below.
Admittedly, the best ways to unlock your inner creativity depend on who you are.
Ways to help you think outside the box
Time yourself
Some people work better under pressure as it gives birth to their innovation. Although this might seem aggressive, some people become more creative when they know they have a limited time to do something. Due to time constraints, some people train their minds to find the most efficient way to do something. This often gives birth to new ideas that help you think outside the box.
If you know that the conventional ways won’t get you where you want to go, having a timer/timeline helps you look for new ways to achieve what you want.
Work backward
Depending on your goal, it might seem overwhelming, and you could get lost trying to think of what to do next. This is because you don’t have a clear path toward it. Another thing you can do is to work backward from your goal. You can start with what you want to accomplish, then slowly think outside the box about how to get there.
For example, if you want to be rich, here’s a way to work backward.
- I want to be rich, which is why I need money.
- If I want money, I need to earn it.
- What skills do I need to earn money?
- How can I learn those skills?
- What do I have right now that will help me get those skills?
Working backward is usually a great way to give yourself a more straightforward path on what to do to achieve what you want. However, remember that your goal should remain realistic and not rely on luck.
Talk to a child
Children are sometimes great innovators just because they see things differently from how we see them. So don’t dismiss their comments and instead try to learn from them.
Although this isn’t always effective, children sometimes have the best answers because they see problems. It’s easy to catch up on a problem’s complexity; sometimes, the most straightforward solutions are the best. You can also talk to multiple children to see their different perspectives on the problem you’re experiencing.
Brainstorm with colleagues
Sometimes the best ideas are a product of innovation. Brainstorming is often the best way to develop some of the most creative ideas possible. To think outside the box, include everyone’s thoughts and develop multiple possible solutions. Try to form different answers to the same problem and pick the best possible choice together.
Sometimes your ideas need just a piece to be completed, which you might find by brainstorming with colleagues.
Work on another problem
It often pays to take a break and tickle your brain on another creative problem. Sometimes, the solution to your problem can be found when you try to work on something else. However, please don’t make your new problem of equal magnitude as your old one since it might distract you and bother you even more.
Instead, try to solve an easier, more possible problem, and after that, try to assess your solution or problem-solving process. You might find this helpful to help you solve your original problem.
In summary
There are many other ways people think outside the box to solve problems. For example, some people take breaks, which helps them come back with more brain fuel to look for a creative solution. However, if you want to think outside the box, you’ll have to try new things and look for new approaches to your problem.
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