Thinking Outside the Box

Thinking Outside the Box
Daily Inspiration
John H. Sklare, Ed.D
Published August 31, 2006
www.lifescript.com

I was talking to a friend the other day when the phrase “thinking outside the box” came up. I’m sure most of you have heard or used that phrase at some time in your life. For those who are unfamiliar, however, the phrase “thinking outside the box” is a euphemism for considering options unthinkable before. When I was in private practice, I used to offer a little riddle to my patients to demonstrate this point. In the spirit of helping you to think outside the box, I offer it to you today.

Now I want you to imagine that you are sitting in a 12 x 12 room with one door and no windows. I want you to further imagine that you are sitting in a chair that is against the wall that is directly opposite the wall with the door. As you sit there, you are asked to exit the room by taking the shortest route. What do you do?

The typical answer to this question is to stand up and walk directly to the door opposite you and exit, which, on the surface, appears to be the only way out. However, the truth is that the shortest way out of that room is to go through the wall behind you. However, since you hold the belief that you “can’t” walk through walls, you don’t even try that route. Now, of course you can’t walk through walls but here’s the point. You tend to not even consider actions that you don’t believe are possible for you. Are you beginning to see where I’m going here? Your beliefs have a tremendous influence on your behavior. And once you box yourself into one specific mindset, you become oblivious to other options also available to you at the time.

The shortest way out of the room challenge was a real eye opener for many of my patients. Even though the shortest way out of the room is to walk through the wall behind you, you don’t even consider that option because you “know” that you can’t do that. There lies the power of thought. Why not make today the day you start thinking outside the box?

Wishing You Great Health,
Dr. John H. Sklare

MY THOUGHTS

i like thinking outside the box. i like looking for different ways of doing things. unfortunately,there are people who do not appreciate this. they feel i'm making their lives miserable because i keep on challenging them to 'find ways'. so what! i wouldn't have accomplished certain things if i go by 'practice' or what is 'acceptable' or 'normal'.