The world is constantly changing, and if we want to stay ahead of the curve, we need to be willing to challenge the status quo and break out of our comfort zone. In this blog post, we will discuss some ways that one can challenge habitual thinking in order to come up with innovative solutions to old problems. We'll also explore how to deal with resistance from others when we try to shake things up. So read on for tips on how to think outside the box and make a real difference in our lives or business!
How often do we find ourselves doing the same thing day in day out, year in year out? How often do we let our habits dictate who we are and what choices make up our life?
Usually, it is far too much. We go through life never questioning the status quo. Many times we do what we are told, stick to the same routine and never venture outside of our comfort zone. We let others dictate how we should think, feel and act.
This is all well and good until something happens that forces us to change. A loved one dies, we lose our job, a natural disaster strikes or lockdown happens – something that completely disrupts the status quo and throws our life into chaos.
Challenging the status quo can lead to fresh ideas, new discoveries or even self-discovery. Observe that discovery cannot happen when we are in the same place doing the same things, applying the same thinking process.
If we want to stay ahead of the curve, then challenging habits and our way of thinking is essential ingredient. When we do so, it opens us up to new possibilities that may even surprise us!
-Ask yourself, who's idea is this?
New ideas can flow into our minds when we start asking ourselves questions. The door for new ideas can only be opened by asking and being open-minded.
-What is the purpose of this?
When we ask ourselves, it makes us think about why something exists and if there’s a better way to do it! This process helps us to identify what problem needs solving by asking questions like “Why does X need Y?” or “How did this come about and who/where did it come from?
-Challenge the norms and think for yourself.
Challenging the norms helps us to expand our thinking process while also helping us to question what is happening around us. It also allows room for different possibilities that can help improve the current situation we are in.
-Do something different every day!
This will definitely get your creative juices flowing and allow you to think differently. This could be anything from going out of your way to speak to someone new or looking up other possibilities.
Ask yourself - What if????!!
It is a place of freedom in thinking and also helps us remove the shackles of limitations or walls we have created for ourselves.
-Be willing to challenge others and their assumptions.
Challenging people can be done in a constructive manner that does not hurt anyone’s feelings but encourages them to think differently about things as well! This will help you break out of your comfort zone.
-Take a risk.
Don’t be afraid of failure, it is only through failure that we can learn what works and what doesn’t work! Take chances on yourself because they will pay off in spades when you do so! It may seem scary at first but keep going until you create a new habit/way of thinking and doing things.
-Deal with resistance from others when trying to shake things up.
Do it with grace and understanding that two people can see things differently but it doesn’t mean one is wrong and the other is right.
Sharing new ideas can be met with a lot of resistance, but it takes courage to stand up for what you believe in even if others don't agree with you! It's important to remember that not everyone will see things the way we do - and that's fine too.
-Embrace change as a way of life, not a one-time event.
Change is the constant evolvement of both ideas and ways of doing things as a result of our actions.
-Remember that discovery cannot happen when we are in the same place doing the same things with the same people.
Change how you view the world by challenging yourself, others and your assumptions about life.
Conclusion: I challenge you to start today. Pick a topic you would like to explore and really dive deep into it. Ask yourself where what you know came from, what you believe in and why, see if you can find a source, a reason and benefit(s).
It’s not always easy to do this, but the rewards are worth it. When we take the time to learn more about things we also get a better understanding of the world around us – and that can only lead to positive change.
Go ahead and think outside what's expected of you. A new world awaits.