We have heard so much of this phrase, to think “Out of the Box.” I personally am put off by phrases that are worn out; but let me speak meaning to this topic. One of the refreshing things we learn from our millennial friends is to think differently. That is, to challenge the status quo and to be original in how to address the challenges and opportunities before us.
I recently spent some time with a grandson and we opened up a new box of Legos. Out of the pile of small parts, we created a monster Lego soldier—or something like that. This was a process that required some vision, action, reshaping, and patience. Let me explain the process of creating something magnificent from a pile of parts.
- Open the box. To get out of the box, we have to open it up; take the wrapper off, open the lid and prepare to empty the contents. To recognize that change is inevitable as soon as we take the wrapper off of our everyday lives and review what’s inside is how we start the process of implementing the life we want to live.
- Empty contents. How many times have we taken the first step; put the box of our lives before us, and after looking at it a while, put it back on the shelf? I accompanied my daughter once to the top of the Auckland Bridge in New Zealand to
partake of the famous bungee jump. She decided at a particular time in her life, that she needed to take life into her own hands and decided that this would be the symbolism of a new future she would create. This would literally be the moment of her life changing dramatically; but it required stepping into the unknown. She was determined to make it happen and dove off of the Auckland Bridge toward the ocean. You can see on her face the elation from having taken the leap. As her father, I can tell you, this smile of victory has not left her face since that jump. I on the other hand didn’t know if I would take the leap. I didn’t, and I regret it to this day. We have to open the box and then empty the contents to see what’s inside before we can take the next step.
- Make something wonderful of it. Once we have decided to empty our box (get on the floor with our “stuff”) and face the realities and possibilities of life, THEN we can make something of it. We have to examine the pieces, see where our dreams fit into our charted course, and then take action upon this vision; make it reality. Along the way, there will be pieces that fit perfectly, and those that don’t. We can make adjustments along the way; that’s the beauty of living life outside of the box.
In so many ways, this is what life is all about; making the most of the opportunities before us as we create a magnificent future. Understanding these three steps is hugely millennial in thinking, but applies to all generations.
