THE EYES HAVE IT
Too often we narrow
our vision in the effort to solve problems and end up with just one way
of looking at things.
This one-person-only limited view cheats us out of the
innate potential we have for finding solutions.
TGIM ACTION IDEA: To discover paths of thinking that lead to
new ideas, insights and opportunities, look at things a new way so you see
things differently.
If we keep our eyes peeled – and then, when we need to, see through
the eyes of others – we’ll more readily spot the creative answers that lie just
beyond our limited line of sight.
So, for example, to get a new viewpoint on an old situation perhaps
we should try to take a look –
►Through the eyes of a Child. Sometimes kids have perspective
and answers that adults overlook. It doesn’t take much to appreciate how
creative un-jaded youngsters can be. There are surely times when we wish for
the imagination of a six-year-old. So why not try a --
Kidhood refresher course.
Arrange to spend some time around children. If you don’t have right-aged kids
in your immediate circle, just take a lunch break near a playground. Don’t be a
butt-in adult. Just lay back and watch how they reason and solve problems.
Bring that free-spirited enthusiasm into your adult world.
►Through the eyes of a Fool. We explored this somewhat back on
April 1. To add to that discussion, here’s a thought on –
How to play the part
of the fool: Take the strictest notion of what you are trying to accomplish
and how you go about it and and turn it upside down.
Example: Why must
it be “business before pleasure”? If we have fun before getting down to business,
won’t we all be more relaxed? If you have fun first, you won’t be so anxious
about finishing your work and going on to “better” things. Besides, stress
clouds creative thinking.
►Through the eyes of Failure. It’s the classic Thomas Edison
strategy/mindset. We’ve all heard a version of, “Before he succeeded Thomas
Edison learned 1,000 ways NOT to make a light bulb.” No matter the accuracy of
the number, the inspirational part of the anecdotal wisdom is, well, a bright
idea.
Use mistakes and
ideas that don’t work. Failure is seldom fatal and, if you’re not faltering
and failing along the way, perhaps you’re not trying anything innovative
enough. So look for and attempt more of the wackier notions. See them as
stepping stones to the next idea … and the next idea … and the next idea …
until you hit on the first winner. Then build on that.
►Through the eyes of your Heroes. Everyone has heroes. And they
don’t even have to be real. They can be comic book Super Heroes, sports heroes,
thought leaders, public successes, family members – you pick ‘em. In fact –
Pick Six:
Investigate their biographies. Assemble quotes from their lives or insights
shed by expert investigators into their views on life. Then, when you’re
stumped for an idea, “consult” your group of a half-dozen heroic personal
advisors.
Look at your challenge through your understanding of how
they might handle the situation. The odds of coming up with a payoff in your
favor are surely more likely than a lottery ticket.
►Through the eyes of a Master. This may come as a surprise (he
said, tongue firmly planted in cheek) but you are likely not the first person
to experience your problem or be stymied in a particular situation. So why not
turn to “experts” who have proven their mastery over similar difficulties.
Not the same as
heroes, mind you. Masters and other recognized experts have reputations and
skill sets in particular disciplines, presumably ones you are not as strong in.
But, even before you conclude you must engage them to apply their expertise, read
about what they did (or do) and what made them do that and you may see how you
can do the same.
BTW: Turnabout’s fair play. Even in certain trades today,
apprentices clock time with accepted Masters before they gain distinction
themselves. You, no doubt, have expertise others lack. Share it liberally. Even
if it does not lead to a compensated engagement, it surely will build your
reputation and value.
And if deploying all these “through the eyes of Others”
strategies still brings you up short of a viable solution –
Close your eyes
and try to “see” your challenges –
►Through your Closed Eyes. That’s figuratively, of course. But
certainly we all have had the experience of taking a problem that seemed
insoluble and having “slept on it.” Let that “Mind’s Eye” help you
sort things out.
It’s amazing what the
unconscious mind sees. So, trying not to dwell on it or obsess, briefly
review some pesky challenge before you go to sleep. Then let your mind drift.
You may awake with new insights and perhaps a solution. (You might keep a pad
and pencil at your bedside so you can write them down immediately. Answers that
come at such times tend to be fleeting.)
See what I’m talking
about? Personally, I’m seeing things a bit more clearly now.
Hope I’ve convinced you somewhat to see things that way as
well.
Geoff Steck
Chief Catalyst
Alexander Publishing & Marketing
Chief Catalyst
Alexander Publishing & Marketing
