Outside the Box

“Thinking outside of the box” is an overused phrase, but what does it really mean?  Did you know that sticker burrs (yes like you find in a field of weeds) were the inspiration for the fastener we now know as Velcro?  Now that is outside of the box thinking!  It makes sense, but I sure would not have thought of it.  When we look at the familiar with fresh eyes we really open our minds to creativity.  I am not the most creative guy around, but I try and look at business problems with an open mind.  It is very easy to get caught in a rut, to live with blinders on.  We tend to only see things within the parameters we are accustomed.  But wild ideas are often really very creative solutions.  “Thinking outside the box” might be overused, but it is a necessary way of thinking.  It does not come naturally.  We have to consciously force ourselves to see with fresh eyes and think outside of the box.

How will you see things this week? 

Perspective…

Perspective can be powerful thing.  A little dose can make one's own problems or situation seem quite insignificant.  Perspective also serves as a reminder of just how little we really understand, and how much less we really control here on earth.  It can make a person see their own challenges in a totally different light.  Make no mistake, what we do in our daily jobs is important and so are our family responsibilities, but the next time you become frustrated by the challenges of your job, your boss your co-workers, or family and friends, consider a little perspective.  How does that frustration really rank in the big scheme of things?  Enjoy the quote below.

“There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” – William Shakespeare

Who am I?

I am a week late in posting this MMM this year…  

Who am I?

I lost my dad way too early,

Who am I to doubt it was part of God’s plan?

His mother lived to age 98, why couldn’t he?

Who am I to question God’s timing?

He loved my mom and all of us so dearly,

Who am I to ask God why we don’t have him anymore?

He was married for 50 years, had nine grandchildren and a great grandchild,

Who am I to not thank God for the time we did have?

He had wood to carve, golf to play and trips to take,

Who am I to ask God why not?

He was kind, loved and respected,

Who am I to ask God why him?

For his disease there were no more options,

Who am I to ask God why no cure?

There were things I had not done or said,

Who am I to ask God for more time with him?

I never heard a bad word spoken towards him,

Who am I to ask God why not someone else?

He deserved so much more,

Who am I to question that God knows what he truly deserved?

I lost my dad far too soon,

Who am I to question God’s plan?

Barry D. Blanton

In loving memory of Don Blanton

January 6, 1935 – June 23, 2007

What are you known for?

Cities are known for things like food, culture, and architecture.  Celebrities and politicians may be famous for specific good deeds, or maybe more often certain indiscretions.  Even certain years in history are known for what happened during them.  What are you know for?

It is a question often discussed in real time about public figures, but for a lot of us it does not come up until someone leaves this earth.  We tend to discuss legacies only once someone passes away.  We are known for who we are NOW, and what we do while we are alive!  Our regular daily behavior leads us to have a certain reputation.  Our legacy is being built as we speak.  The good news is that it can be changed before we die!

How will you be remembered for “the dash” of your life?  What will you be known for during the years between your birth and death?  If you don’t like the answer, get to work on how to change it while you still can!