You have most probably heard of the phrase, “thinking out of the box.” This comes from a classic exercise where a diagram is presented in this manner:
If you have never done this exercise, see if you can following the rules and complete the challenge before reading on.
How did you do? In order to meet the rules of the challenge, you have to take your straight line past the edge of the “box” in order to end up with something that looks like this:
This puzzle can only be solved by drawing outside of the box. This box represents an unnamed rule. There is a part of us that thinks we cannot go beyond this boundary although in reality, there is nothing in the rules that prevents us from doing exactly that.
This exercise used to challenge individuals and companies to expand outside the “conventional thinking” to come up with innovative ways to look at challenges and opportunities. It sounds like a good plan, right?
One would think so, but not according to Michael Roberts. Widely considered as one of the most successful African-American entrepreneurs, having built a billion-dollar portfolio with more than 70 companies in a diverse range of industry, Michael Roberts was one of the chosen speakers for The Destination Experience.
During his lunchtime presentation at The Destination Experience, Roberts delivered a powerful message where he stated that eliminating “out of the box” thinking is his goal. This makes one pause and wonder: Does he not want to see innovation thrive in his many companies? Of course, he does.
According to him, however, accepting the premise of an “out of box” thinking was accepting that there was a box in the first place. Eliminating the box, whether from a personal or corporate standpoint, can make every day thinking more open, more creative. In his mind, why should we even begin to think that there are existing limitations that need to be overcome when there are, in truth, not there?
The question for the reader now is: How could you begin to employ the “no box” thinking in your everyday life or career? Is there a way for you to be more open in your thinking and to not have the limits of the “box” which will allow you to see new opportunities?
Think about all of the unsaid rules that you apply to situations you go through that hinder your path to success. Start by concentrating on what the actual rules are and don’t introduce limitations on yourself that are not factually based. Start small and then build up your avoidance of unsaid, nonexistent rules and see how your outlook on the world starts to change.
David is an international speaker, executive coach, serial entrepreneur, and shipwreck survivor. He is the bestselling author of Grounded (Little River, 2016) . If you’re interested in David’s expertise in the areas of leadership, finance, and public speaking, please get in touch here.