Before You Think Outside the Box, Think Inside of It

One of the reasons that I started this blog was because my friend Josh found the solutions and ideas that I have to be very unique and unusual. Josh felt that I should share these ideas on a blog for all to see.
I think one of the reasons that I come up with these unique solutions is that I have developed the ability to think outside the box. Here are some of the techniques I incorporate to allow me to generate these unique ideas.
1. Think for Yourself!
This is probably the biggest time that I can give you. If you are told how to think or what you think, you’re sunk. This stifles the creative process and prevents your mind from coming up with creative ideas.
Feel free to come up with your own conclusions about items, people, processes, the world! Once you start to think for yourself, this is when you are ready to start thinking outside the box.
2. Question Everything
Anyone who has spent any time with a two year old will be familiar with the following conversation:
You: “Please pick up your toys.”
Two Year Old: “Why?”
You: “Because we need to clean up before supper.”
Two Year Old: “Why?”
You: “Because we do not have time to clean up after supper.”
Two Year Old: “Why?”
You: “Because we are going to sleep early so we can go and see Grandpa tomorrow.”
Two Year Old: “Why?”
You get the picture. But, in reality, this is what we need to do ourselves (just try not to be as annoying). Don’t take “fact” that “experts” tell you as the gospel truth. Ask why something is done in a specific way. Make sure you get good reasons for why processes occur the way they do.
This is probably the best way to learn new things and train yourself to look at the world differently.
3. Everything is Part of a Solution to Something
Many people go through life and see individual items or processes. An out of the box thinker, though, sees pieces to different puzzles.
For example, I found a piece of software one day on the Internet that allowed you to store files in one big encrypted file and then make that file look like a hard drive. For most, a good, though somewhat limited program. I, on the other hand, was ecstatic. This was the final piece of the puzzle that I needed for a number of problems:
• I needed to encrypt the contents of my USB drive
• I needed to keep my private password information safe at work
• I needed a way to keep a consistent drive letter with my USB drive, regardless of the computer I was on
• I wanted to only worry about backing up a single file rather than look for file changes and new folders
Many of the things that I use this software for are not the primary purpose of the software. Rather, they are by-products. But they are just as affective.
Here is a good exercise. Try to think of ten different things that you could do with each of the following items that has nothing to do with their primary, designed purpose. Feel free to put your unique ideas in the comments.
• Screw driver
• Spring from a click pen
• Computer monitor
• Google
• CD
• Dead flowers
• Crashed hard drive
• Old sheets
• Lego
• A cement block
Don’t be discouraged if you can’t think of ten for each. The simple fact that you try is the entire purpose for the exercise.
4. Record your Ideas
Leonardo da Vinci had several amazing ideas. I believe that one of the best was to keep a notebook. This allowed him to record ideas, information, etc. so that he did not have to rely on remembering everything.
I strongly suggest you get yourself a spiral bound notebook that you carry with you everywhere. When an idea comes to you or you see something that you you think could be useful later, write it down.
5. Relax
Don’t try to force an out of the box idea. This is the same as telling someone, “Don’t think of purple tigers!” and they immediately get an image of a purple tiger in their mind. Most of my best ideas come when I’m not looking for a particular solution. I’ve come up with great ideas while working in the tractor, going for a walk, taking a long drive, or even just in the shower.
6. Spend some Quality Time Alone with your Brain
Our minds often are so busy filtering out the noise of the modern world, they are not allowed to actually think. Find time to just sit alone and think at least once a week, even if it is only ten minutes. This means no radio, no family, no spouse, no work, no computer (gasp!), just you and your brain. It’s amazing what can happen.
7. Get Inspired By Others
Many times, I will see a project that someone has buit and think, “That’s pretty need but if I did this, then it would really be cool!” Look at some different things that others have produced or done and see if it sparks your creative juices. For starters, here are a couple of my favourite websites:
• Instructables
• DIY Network
• MAKE Magazine Projects
8. Always Be Willing To Try
If you decide that there is no solution to a problem, then you will never find it. Always be willing to try and come up with a solution.
9. Be Willing To Make Mistakes
One of my favourite inventions, the PostIt note, was a mistake. The inventor was trying to manufacture a super sticky glue but ended up with a semi-adhesive substance. He was an absolute failure, until he put the “failed” product on small pieces of paper and started to stick them to his monitor with his passwords!
When you fail, two things happen. One, you know what does not work and two, you are gaining experience.
Conclusion
I will continue to come up with unique ideas. I hope that this will let you come up with some of your own.

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