“Out of the box” thinking Part – 3

Become an “Out of the box” thinker

Thomas Edison once said “If an individual desires success they must choose the path of new venture rather then the old path of the already approved.”  Mr. Edison modeled for us “Out of the box” thinking.  Rather then heading down the path that had already been walked he set out on a new course to discover and adventure where no one had gone before.  That is “Out of the box” thinking and that propels us to higher success.

I have been challenging you to become an “Out of the box” thinker.  To begin thinking about your organization, strategies and future plans in a brand new way.  Rather then settling for what has always been, strive for what could be.

Let’s take a moment to review the first four steps to becoming an “Out of the box” thinker:

1)  Embrace change…don’t reject it
When you reject change you are surrendering to the mentality that says ‘this is the best it will ever be.’

2)  Adapt and grow
Life has been engineered for growth.  People, plants, animals, everything God created grows and changes.  Adapt to the reality that our society changes as well.  Adapt and grow.

3)  Find your time wasters
Stop spending time on projects or programs that no longer work.  Package your message in a way that is relevant to those you are trying to reach.

4)  Focus on the reward
“Out of the box” thinking requires change and change often brings pain.  Keep in mind however, that change is the avenue to growth and although it hurts, there is most often a great reward.

Now let’s take a look at the next two steps in “Out of box” thinking…
5)  Think like an entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs are individuals who undertake risks.  They are not afraid to take a chance, to go where others dare not tread.  To think like an entrepreneur you have to accept ownership and take responsibility for your ideas and the results you hope to achieve.  You have to recognize that you are in the driver’s seat.  Think bigger, try new things, look for opportunities, stop finding comfort in the stability of your surroundings and set a course for creativity.

6)  Be Resourceful
What if your “job description” read something like this:  Know your purpose.  Dazzle your customers.  Be a team player.  Meet your deadlines.  Expand your skills.  Share your knowledge.  Be honest.  Seek continuous improvement and think change.  Could you do it?  I bet if you put your mind to it, you could figure out a way to make all this happen.  WHY?  Because you are more resourceful then you think.  When faced with a crisis or uncertainty, you have an amazing ability to be resourceful and figure out a way to make it all work.  Don’t think ‘I’m not creative, I can’t think out of the box” yes you can, you are creative and resourceful.  If you put your mind to it, you will figure out new approaches, programs, ideas and strategies.  Don’t limit yourself, your mind is a powerful tool…put it to work!

Until next time,

Chris Sonksen

QUOTE FOR THE DAY

“A person who does not have a clear goal is used by someone who does.”

Author Unknown

Chris Sonksen is a celebrated Motivational Speaker and Published Author; the Lead Pastor at one of America’s fastest growing churches (South Hills Church in Corona California); and the founding member of Celera Church Strategy Group. Celera offers pastor support, teaching, training and mentoring programs that equip pastors who want to learn how to grow church attendance through evangelism using proven church growth techniques.