Charles H. Duell, Director of the US Patent Office, said, “Everything that can be invented has been invented.” That was in 1899. Here’s where I think so many miss the mark – miss golden opportunities. Thinking is a pretty passive activity, so thinking is creative, gratifying, but ultimately of little value, unless one chooses to act on one’s thoughts.
Well, yes, that does seem obvious – get outside the status quo, outside your comfort zone and find something new that will make things better somehow. Then act on it.
But let’s take the issue one step further and examine what has just happened, and what might happen next. Once you act on your new “outside the box” idea you have brought that idea into your box. Ponder that for a moment.
You have taken ownership. You have expanded, maybe even redefined your box — your mission, your vision, your objectives. The recognition of this simple but too-often overlooked detail is an invitation to take full advantage of your initial choice to reach beyond the comfortable and familiar.
Truth is, you will have expanded your box. Your new action item has the potential to impact everything else in your box, which is why you ought to bring it inside.
If what you have done is to have any lasting value the key next step is to take a fresh look at everything inside your box, including your new ideas and initiatives. This might involve strategic and/or tactical planning. My simple point is this – if you don’t pursue this next step – choosing to DO something with your newly-defined box – you have really missed an opportunity.
Getting “outside the box” doesn’t mean you must be far-fetched, that your new ideas or perspective must be innovative revelations. Simply stretching the status quo can be liberating, or looking to the past to identify and resurrect ideas that may not have worked at one time but which might be perfect for here and now.
What are your experiences with taking a fresh look at your work after having an “outside the box” experience?