What Does "Thinking Differently" mean?

Copernicus said, "Dare to think differently", and Apple Computers used "Think Different" as an advertising slogan several years ago. What does that really mean? I don't know what originally formed these ideas, but here are some things I apply to different thinking.

1) Problem Definition - I learned from my math classes that a clear understanding and statement of the problem is one of the most important (and sometimes most difficult) parts of discovering the solution. If you don't know what your target is, you likely won't hit it.

2) Pattern Matching - This has always been an interest of mine, and I try to be aware of patterns in music, writing, finance, business, etc. For a hot time, take a look at some geometric sequences! (ok, this may not flip everyone's switch, but we're talking about thinking differently)

3) Commonalities & Differences - Sometimes the world isn't all neat and predictable, so there isn't a perfect formula for understanding the way things work. Still, there may exist commonalities (or at least similarities) that can help us form a metaphor to think about things (for more insight, read "Borrowing Brilliance..." by David Kord Murray). Differences may be just as helpful.

4) Abstraction - I blame my math teachers for this. I have a lot of respect for people who can find a solution to a problem, or analyze a certain piece of data. But I stand in awe of the few people I've met and read about that can take that problem or data to a generic problem, then solve it for all problems or data. Now that's genius.

5) The Elegance of Simplicity - There is tremendous beauty in boiling things down to what really matters, and getting rid of all the stuff that doesn't. This includes the ability to identify "core" issues, define the problem at its essence, solve it without distraction, and explain the solution so that it may be understood by the general population.

6) Perseverance - Thomas Edison said something like, "Genius is one percent inspiration, and ninety-nine percent perspiration." Its hard work to maintain your focus on a problem over time, especially when you try all the things you know. The people who never give up are the ones who think differently.

What do you think?

How Can I Get a Clear Vision of Myself When I Can't See Myself Clearly?

I guess it sounds like a trick question, but it's really quite serious. Whenever I think I see myself clearly, I'm probably the most blind. You'd think it would get easier with age, but I'm not so sure. In fact, age sharpens my ability to see my own flaws. That brings more discomfort - not less.

So, I'm learning more about the value of honest feedback from people I trust. While I don't have a single "mentor", I have people that I lean on to keep me on track. Unfortunately, what they say is sometimes like "vegetables" when you're a kid - good for me. Once in awhile, it can be truly painful to really have my inner core laid open - have a LOT of layers peeled back. When I face my internal achievements, I often find they aren't as impressive as I'd expected or hoped.

I've also learned that my enemies may tell me the kind of truth that my friends are too nice to say. There is value to real consideration for all feedback. Of course, some doesn't apply, but some does. It's up to me to be honst enough with myself to figure out which is which.

Having this kind of introspection is helping me move forward. But I can't ONLY use my own measure for progress - I need some "360 Feedback" as well.

What feedback has helped you?

Who Doesn’t Need a Fresh Start?

I think we all realize we’ve made mistakes in the past, whether with spouses, children, parents, coworkers, etc. Sometimes the only person “injured” by the mistake was ourselves.

One great thing about the end of the old year and, more importantly, the start of the new year, is the perfect time for a new beginning – a fresh start. We don’t necessarily have to make resolutions, but we might decide to take advantage of the fresh start today! The fact that it’s the beginning of the year is a bonus.

I've been thinking a lot about what's really important and how much I do that just isn't. I'm becoming much more aware that the time I spend on that stuff really steals from the time I would spend on what matters to me. One thing I want to do starting today, is to focus more on what matters most. 

I like quotes and pithy sayings, and one of my favorites goes something like, "No man ever said on his deathbed, 'I wish I had spent more time at the office.'" The quote is attributed to the late Senator Paul Tsongas but I'm not sure if it originated with him. Either way, it serves as a checkpoint for me when I'm all caught up in some project that starts to absorb me. When you really like what you do, there's a risk that you'll fall into the "too much of a good thing" trap. Yes, that's the voice of experience.

I've developed a new appreciation for balance in my life. This will be one of my primary goals for 2011. Part of that goal is to have a clearer picture of the things I value most. The other part is to identify the things I spend time on that don't have to be done at all, or at least don't have to be done by me.

So I'm finished with this post, and I'll tweet it for anyone interested, then I'm off to play a video game with my sons. They like it cuz I'm "easy pickings". I like it because we're spending time together and whether we should have passed or blitzed or whatever, isn't the only stuff we talk about. :-)

How will you start 2011?