We are so often exhorted to think “outside the box” and there are all manner of clever gurus like Mr de Bono who offer us tools to help us do so. The benefits are clear and have become almost axiomatic, so why don’t we do so more often? The thing is, not only is it a skill to leave behind our familiar patterns of thought but it is a challenge. A challenge not just to our capability and our intellect but also to the primitive part of us that is scared by the new. If I come up with a new way of thinking, then where will that lead me? Will it mean I have to do something different? What might that lead to? The primitive part of our brain that is programmed to help us survive will do all it can to protect us from this terra incognita. It will throw up a million reasons why there is no point, why it won’t work, why tomorrow would be better etc

Maybe today you are a little worried about what is going on in the global economy and how you can / should respond. You might be witnessing doors closing and opportunities slipping away and yet this bit of you will try to prevent you from trying something new. Being aware of this flight/fight mechanism, will help you fight its pull.

Maybe today is a good day to begin thinking outside the box!

PS>> I’ll shortly be posting a follow-up article to help you work though some of these issues

“I’ll be more enthusiastic about encouraging thinking outside the box when there’s evidence of any thinking going on inside it.” – Terry Pratchett