Are You on the Verge of Insanity?

“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.”

“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”

Albert Einstein

I’ve always admired Albert Einstein – as he was a model of thinking outside the box. I know for me, I have to give myself reminders that it is OK to try something new – or to do something ‘different’. It is soooooo easy to get into a rut, no matter the subject.

My mother used “X” brand so I always will.

Or the task has “always been done this way” so why change it? It worked for the last 4 people in the job – it will work for you.

Or giving up on a problem because we have been conditioned to think in a certain way and are not able to stretch beyond that which is presently visible to us.

Albert Einstein also said: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Has that ever happened to you? It has to me. When I catch myself on that hamster wheel I give myself a good shake and look for new ways to move forward on that subject. Sometimes it is easier said than doneï but I push myself to get off the wheel and think freely.

One example is starting a new business. I broke all kinds of personal ‘bonds’ in starting Toughest Customer. I closed my ears to the nay-sayers. Took council from those who supported my endeavors. Ignored the comments that suggested I was silly, crazy, selfish, unprepared, too old, etc. I did listen to those who supported my goals, encouraged me, rooted for me, offered constructive suggestions and consoled me without being demeaning when things didn’t go so well.

As we recently celebrated our Nation’s Birthday, I would encourage each of us to Celebrate our own Freedom to be who we truly are, and to do what we are passionately driven to do.