Anyone can become wealthy in America if we choose to improve the quality of our thinking. In one series of I.Q. tests given to children ages 2 – 4 years, 95% of the children were found to be highly creative with curious, questioning minds that demonstrated an ability for abstract thinking.
When the same children were tested again at age 7, only 5% still demonstrated high levels of creativity. In the ensuing years, they had learned to conform and discovered the old axiom, “If you want to get along, you had better go along.”
Along the way they had learned to color between the lines, to sit in neat little rows, to do and say what the other kids did and said, and to do as they were told. Over time, they lost the wonderful fearless spontaneity of youth and learned to suppress ideas and insights that were unusual or different.
Most of us have had similar experiences. But fortunately, since creativity is your birthright and a fundamental part of your nature, you can tap into it at any time, no matter how long it has been since you really used it.
Here are two things you can do today to start thinking outside of your mental box:
First, imagine that there was a vastly better, cheaper, faster way to do your job — and somebody else had already discovered it and was going to put you out of business. Now find that discovery for yourself and implement it!
Second, imagine doing exactly the opposite of what you are doing today. Allow your mind to float freely and consider how current trends will change your business. You’ll be surprised at what you come up with.
Bonus: For more information consider attending one of our upcoming seminars entitled, “Strictly Business: The Dale Carnegie Immersion Seminar.” After you complete the seminar you’ll be equipped to perform as a persuasive communicator, creative problem solver and intelligent risk-taker.
This post is brought to you by the good folks at Dale Carnegie Training of Michigan, providers of professional development and management development courses and information in Michigan. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter @micarnegie.
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