In life, we often fall into routines that shape the way we think and approach problems. We do the same things, in the same way, every day, and while this can bring comfort, it can also limit our creativity and problem-solving skills. Sometimes, all it takes is a few intentional shifts in how we think and act to break free and see things from new perspectives.
Here are 10 techniques that can help you change the way you think, and each comes with practical examples and stories to bring them to life.
1. Disrupt Your Routine
We are creatures of habit. But the problem with routine is that it can put your brain on autopilot. Disrupting your routine is a simple but effective way to shake things up. For instance, try taking a different route to work or having an unconventional breakfast. It sounds minor, but it can shift your perspective.
Think about Steve Jobs, who famously wore the same outfit every day—a black turtleneck and jeans. You could argue he thrived on routine, but when it came to innovation, he constantly disrupted the norm. He’d often take long walks in nature, stepping out of his usual environment to think differently. Breaking the mold in one area can open the door for fresh ideas in another.
2. Question the Status Quo
How often do you question the way things are done? Most people accept what exists as a given. But real innovation comes from challenging the status quo. Ask yourself, “What if we started from scratch?” This question alone can spark breakthroughs.
One of the best examples of this is Elon Musk. Before SpaceX, the idea that a private company could launch rockets into space was unimaginable. Musk questioned why rockets had to be disposable, making space travel prohibitively expensive. This challenge led to the development of reusable rockets, dramatically reducing costs and changing the entire aerospace industry.
3. Practice the ‘5 Whys’
When faced with a problem, many people stop at the surface-level answer. But often, the true cause lies deeper. The “5 Whys” technique, originally developed by Toyota, helps you dig into the root cause of any issue by asking “Why?” repeatedly.
Imagine a project deadline was missed. The first answer might be, “We ran out of time.” But why? “Because the tasks took longer than expected.” Why? “Because the requirements weren’t clear.” And so on. After a few rounds of “Why?”, you may discover that the real issue was poor initial communication. Now, you can address the actual problem instead of just treating the symptoms.
4. Set ‘Anti-Goals’
Most of us are taught to set goals for what we want to achieve. But what about focusing on what we want to avoid? This is where “anti-goals” come in. Define what you definitely don’t want, and use this as a guide for your decisions.
Consider the case of a startup founder who sets an anti-goal of “never having to sit through pointless meetings.” This anti-goal could lead them to design a company culture where meetings are only held when absolutely necessary, which in turn leads to a more efficient and productive team. Sometimes knowing what you don’t want can be just as powerful as knowing what you do.
5. Experiment with ‘Time Travel’
Imagine yourself five or ten years from now. What advice would your future self give you about the challenges you’re facing today? This technique of mental “time travel” can give you clarity on the decisions you’re making now.
A well-known example of this approach comes from Jeff Bezos. When deciding whether to leave his stable Wall Street job to start Amazon, he used what he calls the “Regret Minimization Framework.” He imagined himself as an 80-year-old, looking back on his life. He asked, “Would I regret not trying this new idea?” The answer was yes, and it helped him make the leap to start what would become one of the world’s biggest companies.
6. Change Your Environment
Sometimes, a simple change of scenery can lead to a fresh perspective. If you’re feeling stuck, try working from a new location—a park, a different room, or even a new city. Different environments can inspire creativity in ways you might not expect.
J.K. Rowling famously wrote much of the early Harry Potter books in cafés around Edinburgh. Being in a bustling environment helped her focus and sparked her creativity in a way that sitting at home couldn’t. Changing your environment can stimulate new thoughts and ideas.
7. Do a Personal SWOT Analysis
A SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) is a tool typically used by businesses to assess their strategies. But why not apply it to yourself? A personal SWOT analysis helps you evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities and threats in your life, to gain clarity on where to focus your energy.
For example, if you’re thinking of making a career change, doing a personal SWOT can help you see where your strengths lie, identify areas you need to improve, recognize opportunities in the market, and understand the risks involved. It gives you a clearer picture of where you stand.
8. Do Daily ‘Mind Dumps’
Ever feel like your brain is full of clutter? One of the best ways to clear mental fog is to do a “mind dump”—spend 10 minutes writing down all your thoughts without filtering. The act of writing them out can help you see patterns, organize your thinking, and clear mental space.
Think of it like cleaning out a messy closet. When everything’s scattered, it’s hard to see what’s important. But once you’ve laid everything out, you can start organizing it in a way that makes sense. Mind dumps work the same way for your thoughts.
9. Adopt a Beginner’s Mindset
Sometimes we get stuck because we assume we already know the answers. But when you approach problems with the mindset of a beginner, you’re more open to creative solutions. This is known as the “beginner’s mindset,” where you treat every problem as if you’re encountering it for the first time.
A great story that illustrates this is from the world of artificial intelligence. When DeepMind was developing AlphaGo, the AI that eventually beat world Go champion Lee Sedol, they had to adopt a beginner’s mindset. Rather than relying on traditional human strategies, AlphaGo played the game in entirely new ways, sometimes baffling the experts. Its innovative approach led to moves that had never been seen before, proving the power of fresh thinking.
10. Engage in ‘Active Distraction’
When you’re stuck on a problem, sometimes the best thing you can do is step away and do something else. Engaging in active distraction—taking a walk, doing a hobby, or even exercising—can lead to insights that come when you’re not actively thinking about the problem.
Many of history’s greatest thinkers, including Albert Einstein, used this technique. Einstein was known for taking long walks or playing the violin when he was stuck on a tough problem. It was often during these times of “active distraction” that breakthroughs would come to him.
By incorporating these techniques into your daily life, you can start to shift the way you think and approach challenges. Each one is simple in practice but can have profound effects on your creativity, problem-solving abilities, and overall mindset. So, the next time you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, try disrupting your routine, asking “why,” or taking a break to let new ideas flow. You might be surprised by the results.