Thinking Outside The Box: 7 Unexpected Ways I Break Creative Barriers

Photo by Mateo Chérrez on Unsplash

How you think determines the degree to which you can solve problems successfully.

You'll have to break free of your conventional patterns and approach problem-solving freshly and creatively. You will not perform a task for the sake of performing a task, but instead take ownership of a problem and solve it creatively.

I don't bind myself to one way of thinking about a problem. Or opportunity.

I challenge my assumptions, I often shift perspective, and break outside any given routine.

I try to combine unrelated ideas, ask better questions, and embrace constraints, including the ones I put on myself. Paradoxically, when I take my time, I suddenly find ways to write a short story in 1-2 days.

When I wait until the day before I hit publish to write a new issue of the Potential Paradox.

Ultimately, I play and experiment with ideas all day.

Today, I want to give you the seven easy steps I follow to help me think outside the box daily.

This system informs every task, project, sprint, and solution I synthesize. Crafting your ideal life will improve your performance at work and in your personal life. These powerful tools can get you what you want if you're willing to adapt a solution.

Lastly, use this system responsibly. All great solutions can be made to create as much good as evil in anyone's hands.

Step 1: Challenge Assumptions

Start by questioning the "rules" or limits you've accepted as true.

When I started publishing and marketing my content online, I came from the traditional, academic marketing mindset, with books like Purple Cow in mind. I instinctively knew this archaic way of thinking would not achieve the desired results.

Question why your commute can’t be a park bench stroll.

Step 2: Shift Your Perspective

Look at the problem through someone else's eyes--maybe your childlike wonder, a beginner, or even a competitor.

The default perspective I reach for when solving a problem is of my childlike wonder. I purposefully play with the idea over a few days. Twisting it, flipping it, and attacking it from multiple angles. Second, I come at it from a beginner's perspective. I presume I know nothing and jump in, leaning on thought experimentation.

I try to embody as many varying opinions on an idea or solution as possible to perceive the opportunity better. You might imagine solving a work issue like a chef plating a dish.

Step 3: Break Your Routine

Change your environment or habits to jolt your brain out of autopilot.

Most days, I work outside (as long as my MacBook's battery lasts). If I struggle to generate ideas or solutions to problems, I change my location and switch tasks randomly.

For example, if I'm writing and have no ideas, I'll go to my room and read a book. Or if I feel things are stagnant--I'm doing the same things in the same order daily, I'll set the intention to form a new habit.

You could start by setting daily affirmations, planning your day the night before, or engaging in a daily self-care activity.

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Step 4: Combine Unrelated Ideas

Pull inspiration from fields or concepts that seem unrelated.

Working at an Apple Store, I know people don't just come to buy products. They connect, learn, and play with Apple's ecosystem in an environment akin to the service you would get at a high-end hotel club. Within two to seven visits, ultimately making a purchase.

Blend tech savvy with barista flair to brew a standout blog.

Step 5: Ask Better Questions

Instead of focusing on solutions immediately, dig into weird or open-ended questions, starting with what if...?

Also, questions like "What's the most absurd way to solve this?" or "What would happen if I did nothing?" can lead to unexpected insights.

Lean into the authentic part of yourself. What are your natural curiosities about the world? Lean into this. And ask why until you get to the root of the thing.

Step 6: Embrace Constraints

Set a wild restriction--like solving the problem without a budget or in five minutes--and see what emerges.

I love this step because, paradoxically, limits can fuel creativity. They force you to ditch the obvious. Each week, I give myself at least two days to write an article on the Potential Paradox. I use AI to complement my curiosity, having it research and outline certain content while still relying on the manual writing process.

So, you should try setting an arbitrary constraint on your next project, such as time or intensity.

Step 7: Have fun, play and experiment

Sketch wild ideas, brainstorms without judgment, or prototype something ridiculous just to see where it goes.

As an exercise, I sometimes play with ideas before falling asleep. I define a single problem and think of a few possible solutions, playing with it like putty.

Find what works for you, and remember to have fun with it.

Quick Recap: How to "think outside the box"

Start by questioning the "rules" or limits you've accepted as true.

Look at the problem through someone else's eyes--maybe your childlike wonder, a beginner, or even a competitor.

Change your environment or habits to jolt your brain out of autopilot.

Pull inspiration from fields or concepts that seem unrelated.

Instead of focusing on solutions immediately, dig into weird or open-ended questions, starting with what if...?

Set a wild restriction--like solving the problem without a budget or in five minutes--and see what emerges.

Sketch wild ideas, brainstorms without judgment, or prototype something ridiculous just to see where it goes.

The moment you begin to implement unconventional thinking, you automatically set yourself up for success in many areas of life.

Problem solving is crucial to a successful life, and building your ideal life sooner rather than later.

Outside-the-box thinking isn't about instant genius but wandering off the beaten path long enough to find something new. What's a specific situation you're trying to rethink?

You could try capping your next pitch at five slides or down to one sentence.

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