How can I learn to think outside the box?

Question

I'm stuck inside the box and I can't get out

Answer 1

Well, first it helps to recognize the boundaries of the box. For example, when you hear "we've always done it that way" with no other accompanying rationale... that's a box boundary.

If you're trying to think outside of the box in your work, try looking at your work as a process of inputs, outputs and customer/provider relationships. You rely on others for information (you're their customer), others rely on you for information (others are your customer). Keeping your perspective as the middle of a 'cycle' helps you have a broader perspective.

If you're a chess player, try playing a game where you eliminate the bishops, knights or rooks. It's funny, you're asking about how to think outside the box, sometimes I annoy the crap out of people at work because outside the box is my comfort zone. It takes all kinds! :-)

Answer 2

You should learn that from Russians.
do you know the story?
Americans wanted to create a pen which would be used to write or draw while in the space, a normal pen wont work since there is no gravity or very low, without which the ink wont fall. Americans spent lots of years thinking on that! Finally these Russians came up with the idea of a PENCIL!!! thats out of box thinking.
Got any idea?

Answer 3

You have to have more than one thing going for yourself at a time. In other words it cant be all about work or school, it cant be all about your social life, it has to be a combination of things. You need to do things outside of what you are currently concentrating the most on. Take up something new, and be less concerned with the everyday stuff. That should get your thinking straightened out.

Answer 4

Start mixing your life with the totally random. Begin by wearing unmatching socks. Gradually work up to juggling twinkies and earmuffs, and beyond until the lines of the box become blurred.

Answer 5

read lots of obscure stuff - that or try certain herbal remedies.
alcohol has been known to help me come up with some pretty novel ideas, not always good ideas but certainly different.

Answer 6

be open minded..listen to what onther people say..
~^-^~