We as individuals or our teams have all faced problems, obstacles, and challenges that have often forced us to think a bit differently or out of the box. While I realize that this concept or idea isn’t something new, I want to share something that you may not have heard or thought about.
In addition to HOW we are thinking, there is also incredible amounts of value in WHERE we are thinking. For some of us, this where could be the great outdoors, or it could be somewhere that is indoors, somewhere with very open, expansive spaces, perhaps with high ceilings or large windows.
From my own experiences, I have thought more expansively and creatively when I am outdoors, maybe it’s a walk/hike or even better when I am near the water – lakes, and oceans. This open space helps me to think more broadly, more expansively.
Have you ever struggled with a problem, maybe it was something personal or work-related, then you went and did something outdoors, perhaps you returned with a reset/refresh, and with some new ideas or potential approaches/solutions?
We are all built a little differently, for some of these spaces/environments may need some small tweaks if you find them distracting or not providing you with the benefits you had hoped for.
This is a short list of environments/spaces that help me to think more broadly and creatively.
- Outdoors: Near the water – Lakes or Oceans
- Outdoors: Walking or Hiking – lots of trees, wildlife, and other landscapes
- Indoors: Large Office spaces with high ceilings, and large open windows if possible
- Indoors: Places of worship
I would love to hear some other ideas/advice others have to share on this topic!
Tech Leader Notes 