Post-it Note #12

Today, I will think inside the box.

Sure, all of us would like to think outside the box but, let’s face it, if that were possible there wouldn’t be a box.

Personally, I’ve always liked the rhombus.

But there are other reasons why everyone thinking outside the box is just not realistic.

First, for some of us, just to think is a challenge in and of itself.   Add a box and you get all kinds of confusion.

Second, in many cases, our work environment is simply not conducive to higher level thinking.  We are asked to think outside of the box while sitting at a box conference table in a box room.   Staring at a box screen.   I’ve yet to see an octagon conference table.  They make great stop signs, but have yet to infiltrate the conference table arena.

Third, let us not forget the snickety snacks.  Sitting staring at the fruit and cookie platters in the center of the table does little to get the creative juices flowing.   Instead, you are locked in an intense mental battle.  Should I take the chocolate walnut cookie or eat a piece of cantaloupe?   A coke or bottled water?   Maybe just half a cookie.

Please.  Grab something.  We’ll wait.

In the meantime, look around the room.  Many of you are doing what I call the sit and slouch.  Maybe you learned it at home in front of  your 52″ plasma TV.  Is this the best way for active thinking?  Why not sit on the conference table?  Or under it?  Or take turns breaking into the timeless downward dog?

Get the body moving.  And relax your mind.

As long as we try hard to think of something it will escape us.  Instead, go with what you already know.  List the most obvious thing and tweak it.

Forget rules.  Play.

Or another way of putting it: K.I.S.S.

Keep it Simple Stupid.