Thinking Outside The Box VS. Doing Something Outside The Box

When it comes to innovation and creativity, we often hear the phrase "Think outside the box" This is an invitation to break away from conventional thinking and consider new and unconventional ideas. However, there is a crucial difference between just thinking outside the box and actually doing outside the box.

Thinking outside the box is about exploring new and unconventional ideas. It means questioning assumptions and taking risks. It requires open-mindedness and a willingness to consider new possibilities. It's an essential first step in the innovation process.

However, it's not enough to just have ideas. It's important to take action and turn those ideas into reality. Doing something new requires taking calculated risks and putting in the effort to turn those ideas into action. It means stepping out of your comfort zone and taking a new and different approach.

While thinking outside the box is important, it's the implementation of these ideas that can really make a difference. In fact, the most successful innovators and entrepreneurs are those who not only think outside the box, but also have the courage to act and put those ideas into action.

One example is Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla. He's known for his unconventional ideas and his willingness to take risks. What sets him apart, however, is his ability to turn these ideas into reality. He has launched rockets into space and developed electric cars that have revolutionised the car industry. He not only thinks outside the box, but also takes action to make these ideas a reality.

I always encourage my clients and coachees to act outside of the box instead of just thinking about ideas outside the box. Implementing a change in system, change in behaviour, doing customer services differently, hiring people with contracting skillsets to encourage diversity in thinking and doing are just few examples. In my coaching sessions, we play a simple but fun game to stress the doing part. It's so interesting to see how different people approach the same game. But ultimately it just takes one person in the group, to take the giant leap of faith to start doing something differently, before everyone jumps into action.

While thinking outside the box is essential for innovation and creativity, it's acting outside the box that can really make a difference. It's important to take calculated risks and make an effort to turn these ideas into reality. The world needs more people who not only think out of the box, but also have the courage to act and create something truly groundbreaking.