The phrase “think out of the box” is a familiar rejoinder or urging. 
Like “pushing the paradigm” or “raising the ceiling” — it stresses the need for creativity and innovation.
However, a client, Don Winkler, is the first person who ever defined for me “the box” and its sides.
Don believes “the box” is a “strict interpretation of reality that constrains growth” with six sides:
1. Opinions / Beliefs
2. Habits
3. Attitudes
4. Rules / Policies
5. Assumptions and
6. Fears
Don calls the view from inside the box—the CVS or the Current View of the Situation.
Yet when you push out or break through any side of the box, it releases you to pursue the BVS or the Better View of the Situation. Why? Because it frees you to transcend the status quo and move beyond business-as-usual.
Don further stresses, “This process is liberating as it gives you access to the infinite and harnesses your power of discovery. The spirit of inquiry is great, it invites participation and growth; questions are more stimulating than assertions.”
To help his people actively pursue the BVS, Don had a simple but powerful response. When he heard someone claim, “It can’t be done!” Don calmly and confidently stated, “Up ‘til now!”
His talented professionals then devoted themselves to a BVS—with a new vision, a new goal, a new dream, a new commitment—and a new result!
You too, can think out of the box and envision a BVS.
When somebody tells you, “It can’t be done,” take Don’s advice. With a smile and a look of supreme optimism exclaim, “Up ‘til now!”
(Note: The preceding is based upon personal conversations with Don Winkler and his article Delivering True Business Breakthroughs. These comments and strategies are featured with Don’s permission.)
• • • • •
THE EDGE!
To attain success in the future, you must continually push the paradigm, raise the ceiling or bust beyond the box. For it’s on or beyond the edge where the real possibilities for your future happen.
If you’re willing to wallow within your current paradigms, ceilings or boxes, you’re likely to exist within a limited environment. Can we describe it as having our growth stunted?!
While you’re still enjoying success within your current ceiling, you should be proactively working toward your new ceiling. William James once said, “A new idea is first condemned as ridiculous and then dismissed as trivial, until finally it becomes what everybody knows.”
When it comes to change, remember six things:
1. You must accept change with the understanding that nothing comes to stay, but only to pass.
2. The most effective way to deal with change, is to change.
3. The best way to minimize the impact of change is to make the commitment to planning, ongoing knowledge and goal-setting.
4. You play each game differently, not because you want to, but because you have to, because the marketplace and circumstances are always changing.
5. Your addiction to the past sets a trap for your future.
6. You must be willing to bust out of your zone of comfort, security and complacency.
To attain new levels of success, professional or personal—remember the words of Lester Thurow, who once said, “A competitive world has two possibilities for you. You can lose. Or if you want to win, you can change.”
(The preceding is an excerpt from the 5th edition of Jeff’s bestselling book, Peak Your Profits. Available on Amazon and at your favorite bookstore.)
