We all know Einstein's quote “we cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them” but have you sat with the enormity of its implications.
If we use the same thinking we cannot solve our problems.
How much time have you spent changing the way you think? In fact, what does it even mean to change the way you think. We sometimes accept advice, see sense in someone else’s argument, concede a point or two; but is any of this changing the way we think?
I would argue not. We are simply tinkering in the same paradigm. Or, as we often say, still thinking inside the box.
So what is this paradigm, this box that contains us. And how do we think outside it.
This box is no more than the way we see the world and ourselves, it is our cultural background, our values and beliefs; it is the us that is so familiar that it has become invisible; the hidden drivers behind all our actions and decisions; the software that runs unnoticed throughout our being.
When we start to explore the box and touch the sides with curiosity, then we can start to change our thinking.
Let me give you some examples of touching the sides from my coaching; the things that people have held but never acknowledge - singlemindedness is boring and methodical; I am not lovable; in our family, we do not get divorced; it’s dog eat dog out there; playing is a waste of time; deep down I am a bad person; analysis is paralysis, I see myself as the Martyr; stress is bad; screen time is a pollutant; I am a priviliged git.
All of these will have a impact on what is available to us; to how we solve problems. Take the last one. “I am a privileged git”, this stymies action, undermines legitimacy in the world. And takes away your voice.
I should know. This one was mine.
Something practical.
Let’s bring this thinking alive through a practical exercise that might shift a problem in your life (from a process developed Robert Kegan Immunity to Change).
* write down a commitment that you have/ or would like to drive. Could be personal or professional? i.e. Give up coffee or improve public speaking. (commitment driven by us)
* what are the barriers to achieving this commitment? i.e. with coffee - decaf is okay, the odd one won’t make a difference, just when I am tired.
* write down all your concerns around doing the complete opposite to question 2. i.e. with coffee - I will be be boring, not interesting, will not come up with ideas (hidden commitment driving us)
What are the new beliefs or values that you can start to embed that will counteract the very powerful hidden commitments
Something New
Many of those who work in the NGO sector are trying to change the way we think - about the environment, human rights, poverty, diseases.
In the UK, there are over 171,000 voluntary organizations drawing on a combined income of £35.5 billion with a paid workforce of 668,000 people.
One of these is an extraordinary organization called 38 Degrees - these people have made politics accessible and relevant to ordinary people. Their membership is now over 1.5 million people - which is probably why the government want to shut them down.
If you believe that the new gagging laws should not be allowed, please take 5 minutes to write to your local MP. They are trying to limit the ability to lobby government.
Government would like us to stay in our box. 38 degrees is thinking differently.
Take care.
