Lateral Thought
As we go about our lives it’s easy to fall into a sense of “tunnel vision”. Charging ahead relentlessly, going about our ways, following the path that we’ve taken the day before. Doing what we do best, sticking to our guns.
There is good in this, as we seek to gain efficiency from specializing in our methods. Repetition gives us the opportunity to rediscover new ways to accomplish the same goals, given that we keep an open eye for these realizations. It is also through steady and consistent practice that we can achieve mastery of the task at hand, via memorization and precision.
However, we mustn’t neglect the power of lateral movement, of lateral thought. Instead of charging ahead, let’s take a right. Let’s explore the uncharted path and see where that takes us. Let’s take advantage of the thrill of newness, the joy and excitement that only novelty brings.
As we explore that which is unfamiliar, we may also find parallels and hidden correlations that were unbeknownst to us prior to this escapade. It is only through lateral movement and thought that we can make these types of connections, and the growth that occurs through this type of discovery is exponential, as it leverages all of our prior knowledge but applies it towards a new context.
I have always been a person of vision, leadership, and facilitation. But lately, I’ve been exploring the concept of design — a concept that up till now, I’ve always entrusted to those that seemed more specialized in that art form. However, I’ve recently become more aware that, from the standpoint of manifestation, vision and design are two sides of the same coin. Consequently, I’m now exploring the yin to my yang, so as to create that which I am truly capable of. It’s exciting to say the least, and I feel a sense of multiplicative growth.
What about you? What ideas and concepts lie just one or two degrees away from the approaches that make up the majority context of your life? Have you explored them? You may find there is much to gain from lateral thought and it never hurts to become more well rounded. Explore till you’re bored, then take what you’ve learned and change your world.
