Don’t Think Outside the Box
Don’t even say it.
Thinking outside the box? Don’t do it. Don’t even think about it. Definitely don’t say it! I say this because the phrase is a cliché that tells us nothing about what being creative involves or how to be more creative. If anything, it is limiting to our understanding of creativity.
So, what is creativity and how do we define it without using a useless cliché? I prefer to use an explanation that comes from Dr. Cyndi Burnette, Director of Creativity and Education.
“Creative thinking is more than coming up with new ideas. It is about living life in a way that is open, authentic, and curious. It is a mindset and approach to everything we do.”
The above explanation provides insight into what goes into being creative. We should remain open to alternatives, be authentic with our efforts, and remain curious about the world. While it still isn’t specific about defining creativity, it provides a much more practical explanation. I’ll provide more ways to intentionally discuss creativity after we look at the history behind the phrase “Thinking outside the box.”
