Have you ever discovered that your assumptions were more like obstacles than tools on your path to your destination? Sometimes we have to make assumptions based on our experience but unfortunately these assumptions can also cause obstacles and challenges if they go unexamined. Or they are assumptions held deeply in our belief system and we do not even realize that they are there.
Crystal Daigle is a local artist here in the Phoenix area; I recently attended her creativity workshop and learned about her story of beliefs or assumptions that was holding her back. She held a belief that including words in her paintings was not allowed and in fact was completely wrong. Once she discovered this deeply held belief she was able to let it go and create some amazing art; her site is linked on her name if you want to see more. The ironic thing is the fact that her art includes words attracted me from the beginning because of my love of words.
How do you discover these limiting beliefs or assumptions? I like the eastern philosophy of “beginner’s mind.” Imagine looking through the lens of a three year old; a true beginner in life with very few learned assumptions. My three year old nephew recently visited and it was fun to see his eyes light up and hear him let out peels of laughter at simple things like spinning around in the pool. Try showing an issue or problem you are having to someone who knows nothing about your expertise to help you gain a beginner’s perspective and ask questions you may have never considered. A coach will also be a big help in asking powerful questions that will help you step back and examine if you are limiting your ideas based on assumptions.
I downloaded a great application from Roger von Oech (author of “A Whack on the Side of the Head: How You Can Become More Creative”) called the “Whack Pack” that helps me think creatively. I asked for the “Whack of the Day” and received the “Drop an Assumption” card (click on the card name to link to the card). On the card he gives a couple examples of how assumptions limit our ability to come up with creative solutions and keep an open mind.
How do stay open and question your assumptions? Please share in a comment.
This is what has been called “thinking outside the box” . . . Just a couple weeks ago I went to the Tempe Art Fair with the assumption that I would see the same old (but beautiful) art work I had seen before. To my surpise I saw many innovative artistic Ideas . . . these artist had used the same materials in new ways and new materials in old ways! It really stunned me. It took me a long time to walk a short distance viewing each booth at the fair.
I do like the “whack a day” . . . dropping assumptions and how thick is your shield?
Carson and Audrey do help open our eyes to seeing like a beginner. Did you see Audreys drawings? She was busy in her own world while drawing. It was fun to watch.
Love you Paula . . . Ma
Thanks Paula … this is just the inspiration I needed today! I downloaded Roger’s iPhone app to spark my creativity!
Thanks Ma – Great examples of thinking outside of our boxed assumptions! Yes, Audrey and Carson’s examples of using our imaginations and creativity were inspiring. Love you too, Paula
Your welcome Josephine! I know you’ll enjoy the app from Roger; the whacks are great!