Welcome to this series on ideas, what they are, how we get them, what we do when we have them and how we grow them. Over the last few weeks, I have been exploring tools for exploring and developing ideas.
An idea is defined as a formulated thought or opinion – a thought or a suggestion as to a possible course of action — a plan, thought, or suggestion, especially about what to do in a particular situation. For example, you might have an idea about how to counter the effects of climate change on your island or what to do about youth unemployment or how to prepare for a cyclone.
Today my focus is on what it means to ‘think outside the box’, how it can be done and how to overcome likely challenges and obstacles.
The concept of ‘the box’ refers to the world we create around us – very often our comfort zone. It contains our thoughts and beliefs and habits. It is obviously affected by our conditioning and the influences we have been subjected to throughout our lives. I have met many people who tell me that they are not creative without really thinking about what this means and why they think like this. It is simply a habit and maybe they just reflect what they have been told by others.
Innovative people will always look to find other ways of doing things or of solving problems. If they have no money they will look at what they can grow or make to sell. They will take a half full view of life and not allow obstacles hold them back. It takes courage to be the only green umbrella in a sea of black ones! Remember the words of Mahatma Gandi — be the change you want to see in the world.
To be successful in thinking outside of the box, and maybe eventually getting rid of the box all together, requires you to do a number for things.
Firstly, you need to really understand yourselves and to know what you are good at and where your weaknesses lie. This is not an easy task to do on your own and you might find it useful to get the support of a coach or mentor to help you create your own ‘out of the box’ action plan. Start by making a list of your strongly held views and opinions and of the factors that influence your lives and how you make decisions. Many of these will be very positive and important to you but some may hold you back. If you lack confidence or self-belief you need to examine why that is and what you can do about it. A low level of self-confidence will not help you become more innovative or creative.
Identify one aspect of your life that you would like to change and start to imagine what it will be like once you have made the change – that is what you are aiming for. Changing behaviours and life-long habits is not easy but it is possible if you are determined. Brainstorm the changes you would like to make and involve those closest to you. Write everything down and then spend time thinking seriously about each idea and comment.
Earlier this week I was with a group of people in Port Vila who run small, informal businesses. They all want to explore ways of working outside the box and they all have stories of negative attitudes and experiencing jealousy from others. We agreed that it was best to work in a group with like-minded people and take one step forward at a time. If that does not work, then take another step maybe in a different direction! The important thing is never to stop moving forward.
Thinking outside the box takes commitment, effort and confidence. The more you believe in yourself the more you will be able to do it. You will also find that once you have one new idea others will follow. You will start a chain reaction in your brain!
Most entrepreneurs will talk about the times they have failed at things before they did anything that was successful. Thinking and acting outside of the box could well be the most important thing you ever do because once you do it for the first time you will never look back and never again will your actions be constrained by old habits or the views of others.
As always, I look forward to hearing from you with stories and questions.
Next week is the last in this series. Please send me feedback and if you have any other suggestions or any questions or comments, please contact me.
Breadfruit Consulting (www.breadfruitconsulting.com) is a Vanuatu-based business providing advice, training, coaching, and mentoring to businesses throughout the Pacific islands. Breadfruit specialises in a range of business development activities including ‘business continuity planning and action’, helping businesses to survive in a crisis, designing and starting new, sustainable businesses. Contact chris@breadfruitconsulting.com or hazel@breadfruitconsulting.com
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