How to Think Out of the Box and Solve Unorthodox Problems
Clarence Cheong
Author of "More Than 100%" | Insightful & Funny | Wielder of Dad-Jokes | MDRT | CFP | DLI | Senior Group Financial Services Director | Podcaster | International Speaker | Woah what a mouthful... Still reading? ??|
Introduction
You're faced with a problem that doesn't have a straightforward solution. All the normal methods you've tried have failed, and you're starting to feel frustrated. But don't give up just yet – there's still hope.
There's no shortage of creativity and unorthodox thinking when it comes to solving problems. Sometimes, the best way to come up with a solution is to think outside the box. And if the normal methods aren't working, that's exactly what you need to do.
In this Newsletter, you will get a glimpse of some unconventional problem-solving strategies that might just help you find a solution. So don't give up – keep thinking, and don't be afraid to try something new.
What Does It Mean to Think Out of the Box?
When most people think of the phrase "thinking out of the box," they probably think about creativity and coming up with new, innovative solutions to problems. And while that's definitely a big part of it, there's more to it than that.
Thinking out of the box also means being willing to try unorthodox solutions, even if they seem a little crazy at first. It means opening yourself up to new possibilities and not being afraid to experiment.
So how do you go about doing that? It's not always easy, but there are a few things you can do. For starters, you can keep an open mind and be open to new ideas. Simply do not say “NO”. You can also be more flexible in your thinking and be willing to consider different options. And finally, don't be afraid to take risks. If something doesn't work out the way you planned, it's not the end of the world. Learn from your mistakes and move on.
Take for example the challenge of building a structure in the middle of the ocean. It's obviously not going to be easy, but with a bit of creativity you can come up with some pretty ingenious solutions. Some genius invented ocean oil rigs, didn’t they?
The key is to keep an open mind and not be afraid to try something new. If it doesn't work, you can always go back to the drawing board. But more often than not, you'll be surprised at how well an unorthodox solution can actually work.
Advantages of Thinking Out of the Box
For starters, you're more likely to come up with creative solutions to problems. And when it comes to business, creativity is key. If you can find a way to solve problems in a unique and innovative way, you'll be well ahead of your competition.
Not only that, but thinking differently can also help you see the world in a different light. You may start to look at problems in a new way, and see opportunities where others see only obstacles.
So, how can you start thinking outside the box? There isn't one specific answer—it's something that comes with experience and practice. But if you keep an open mind and are willing to experiment, you'll be on your way to thinking differently in no time.
It's pretty daunting to start thinking out of the box, but there are a few tricks that can help.
First, try to relax and take a few deep breaths. This will help clear your mind and open you up to new possibilities.
Then, ask yourself some questions about the problem you're trying to solve. What are the possible solutions? What are the potential consequences of each solution?
Once you've come up with a few ideas, it's time to start testing them out. See which ones work and which ones don't. Keep trying until you find a solution that works for you.
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How to Overcome Resistance to Thinking Out of the Box
This is a fun one. First, you have to stop listening to naysayers. They usually crush spirits and ideas with the same critique.
Next, attempt to overcome resistance. People are creatures of habit, and they're not always open to new ideas. Convincing your team to play along with your madness, may be the hardest part of thinking uniquely.
But if you can find a way to get your team on board, you'll be well on your way to solving those unorthodox problems. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Case Studies
When it comes to thinking out of the box, there's no better way to learn than by example. So let's take a look at a few case studies of unorthodox problem solving.
First up is the story of the engineers who built the Tower of Pisa. Legend has it that they were trying to build a perfectly straight tower, but when they got to the sixth level, it started to lean. Rather than give up, they came up with a new plan—they started building the next level on an angle, so that it would counteract the lean of the previous level.
And it worked! The Tower of Pisa has been standing for centuries, thanks to the ingenuity of those engineers.
Then there's the story of Alexander Graham Bell and his quest to find a way to transmit sound over long distances. He tried all sorts of different methods, but nothing worked until he came up with the idea of using metal wires. It was a crazy idea, but it ended up being the key to his success.
These are just two examples of how thinking out of the box can lead to amazing results. The next time you're faced with a difficult problem, don't be afraid to try something new. Who knows—you might just come up with the solution everyone else has been looking for.
Conclusion
When you're trying to solve a problem, it can be tempting to think inside the box. But sometimes, the best way to get a fresh perspective is to think outside the box.
There are a few things you can do to help yourself think creatively and come up with unorthodox solutions to problems:
The key is to be open-minded and flexible, and not be afraid to try something new. When you're able to think outside the box, there are no limits to what you can achieve.
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Inspired??drop me a DM ?- always looking for like-minded individuals to connect and exchange ideas with :) Have a great day!
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1 年Oh! Think outside the box isn't the great advice many think it is perhaps we should update our view of creativity #ClarenceCheo..... Thankyou for sharing.
People-Centered Communications | Tips and Frameworks to add more oomph! to your ideas
1 年2 and 3 always work wonders for me. Sometimes all you need is some fresh air and a friend ??
Executive Director | Co-Founder of Infinity Financial Advisory (SME 500)
1 年Yes great sharing! Clarence Cheong. Definitely good practice to expand your thought process and take risks from time to time.
Founder & CEO | Chartered Family Office Specialist
1 年Stretching the mind, good practice with you Clarence Cheong B.Eng (Chem Eng)
As an Independent Consultant, I guide professionals through career transitions, helping them achieve clarity in their aspirations. As a trainer and Design Thinker, I tailor training support for sustainable career growth.
1 年Good tips..