Try to think of the problem as a story that’s playing out right in front of you, as if it’s happening to someone else. Try to use methods that you have found help you to absorb information. For instance, I am a visual learner; I don’t seem to be able to figure things out when I can’t see them.
I used to get lost all the time, and found it very hard to figure out where I was going, if I had a map it would be fine, therefore, I would constantly check in with my phone.
I found that by constantly mentally visualizing where I was, I could figure out how to get somewhere, even if I hadn’t been there before. These are called cognitive maps and you become better at visualizing your location with practice. But how does this factor in with thinking outside the box?
Well I don’t need to look up city maps or check in with my phone anymore. I can create shortcuts to a place I haven’t been to before, because I can predict that by going down a side street I don’t need to walk around the entire block. Thinking outside the box is about creativity, but also about creating simple and easy solutions.
However, if you are more of an auditory learner, then try imagining a voice with clear instructions or talk out loud.
If you don’t know which kind of learner you are, then take this test.
Keep your creativity sharp
As I mentioned before, creativity is an important part of thinking outside the box, and just like with any skill, you need to keep it sharp. You do this by completing puzzles, games, brain teasers etc.
These games are designed to help you learn how to think outside the box.
Rubus puzzles
Riddles
Brain teasers
The underlying processes required to solve these puzzles are the same that will provide you unique solutions at work or university… plus they’re fun.
Listen to the ideas of others
Remember how before we mentioned that we become amazed when we hear about some ingenious ideas, and how we have no idea how people came up with them. Well, you should listen to the ideas that these people think up. By listening to them and exposing yourself to these people, you start to absorb their mentality and way of thinking. Think of yourself as a sponge.