What Does “Think Out of the Box” Really Mean?

Last Updated on: 8th May 2025

“Think outside the box” is a catchphrase that’s been discussed around in classrooms, offices, boardrooms and in brainstorming sessions. It sounds inspiring and it’s even energizing. But what does it actually mean? More importantly, how do you apply it in real life?

At its core, thinking outside the box means challenging the norm, breaking free from the traditional approaches and finding innovative solutions with a different perspective. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the origin of this phrase, why it matters, real-world examples and actionable strategies to develop a creative, open mindset.

The Origin of the Phrase “Think Out of the Box”

The origin of the phrase “Think out of the box” may be vague, but it is from a classic lateral thinking puzzle known as the nine-dot puzzle, first appearing in the 1914 book Cyclopedia of Puzzles by Sam Loyd.

The Nine-Dot Puzzle Challenge:

The puzzle consists of the diagram as shown below, with the following instructions:

Connect nine dots arranged in a 3×3 grid using only four straight, continuous lines without lifting your pen, passing through each of the 9 dots, and without tracing the same line more than once.

[Note: Don’t directly jump to see the solution without giving it a try by yourself.]

One of the solutions appears below:

Most people subconsciously assume that there’s a boundary, a mental “box” as shown in the first pic.

The twist? You must extend your lines outside that imaginary boundary to solve the 9 dot puzzle.

Now, have you seen where the “out of the box” comes from? The puzzle only seems difficult because we commonly imagine a boundary around the edge of the dot array (Yes, it happened with me, and I am pretty sure it might have happened with you too).

“It was never mentioned that you had to stay inside the box. Our minds just assumed it.”

This puzzle is a great example of forcing your mind to self-impose your thoughts, which limits your creativity.

Thus, the Nine-Dot Puzzle allows you to think out of the box, challenges you to think beyond your normal imagination and look for solutions from a different perspective.

What does the “Box” Really Represents?

People often say Think out of the box, but how do you really do it?

As Twyla Tharp said, “Before you can think out of the box, you have to start with a box.”

In most scenarios, the “box” represents our assumptions, normal routines, limitations, societal norms and comfort zones. These mental models help us operate efficiently, but they also limit our creativity.

Common Examples:

• “This is how we have always done it.”
• “That’s not how our industry operates.”
• “I’m not creative enough.”
• “It’s not how it works.”

Recognizing and questioning these assumptions are the first step towards shifting from traditional mindset to growth mindset and thinking creatively.

The key here is to define the box in any given situation and then to seek the alternative, often unconventional solutions that would be considered beyond the norm.

Why Thinking Outside the Box Matters & How to Achieve it?

Thinking outside the box is not just an abstract concept, it’s a practical skill that allows you to enhance your mindset and be creative. This thinking improves your ability to approach problems from new angles and can unlock new opportunities and create meaningful change.

When you are faced with a seemingly overwhelming obstacle, train yourself not to focus on that specific issue, but more importantly, to think about all of the possible reasons and the paths that led to that issue. Consider every possibility and hypothetical situations along the path, and never be dismissive of anything. When you do this, you will come up with some alternative solutions, giving you options that you did not see when narrowly focusing on a specific issue.

“The problem is not the problem, but your attitude towards the problem.”

– Captain Jack Sparrow

It is that kind of thinking that creates the problems that demands “out of the box” thinking in the first place. Keep yourself calm. Don’t think of any unrelated or irrelevant thoughts. Expand your viewpoint or broaden your mind.

Once you have identified a problem, then search for regular or typical solutions to that problem. After that, you can start looking for ways to address the situations with an open mind in those areas that were not considered previously. Never dismiss any possible solution just by saying, “It simply can’t be done.” Consider everything. Go for every possibility until you come to know whether it can be done or not.

Also Read: How to Change Your Mindset for Personal Growth

Benefits of Thinking Out of the Box

1) Solves Complex Problems

Traditional thinking commonly leads to dead ends. Out-of-the-box thinking allows a perspective shift to look for unique problem-solving techniques for finding solutions. By such a mindset shift, you are more likely to discover answers and solve complex problems.

2) Drives Innovation

Innovation doesn’t come from following the same path, it comes from chasing and creating a new one. Businesses that encourage innovative thinking are more likely to grow in competitive markets, enhance user experiences and stay ahead of the competition.

3) Boosts Adaptability

In unknown times, flexibility and adaptability are key skills to have. When traditional systems fail, creative thinking allows you and your organization to evolve quickly and effectively from difficult situations. It is about seeing beyond the limitations and finding alternate routes.

4) Enhances Collaboration and Communication

When people welcome diverse ideas and perspectives, collaboration becomes more dynamic and inclusive. Teams that think creatively together find harmony in diversity, which leads to more comprehensive and original results.

5) Promotes Personal Growth

Outside the box thinking isn’t just for the workplace, it is useful in your personal life too. It opens your mind to new experiences, boosts confidence and improves decision making.

According to Adobe’s State of Create report, 82% of companies believe there is a strong connection between creativity and business success.

Practical Strategies to Think Outside the Box

Thinking creatively can be learned and strengthened like any other skill. Here are the actionable strategies on how to Think Out of the Box so as to help you break free from mental limitations and develop a flexible mindset:

1) Challenge Your Assumptions

Don’t take any information or assumptions for granted. Ask questions like:

• Why is this normal?
• What happens if I flip this idea?
• Is there a simpler or more unexpected route?

Example: Instead of assuming meetings need to be long, ask what if we solved problems in a brainstorming 15-30 minutes session?

2) Use the “Six Thinking Hats” Method

Developed by Edward de Bono, the “Six Thinking Hats” method helps you to explore a problem from multiple perspectives:

• White Hat: Focuses on facts, figures, and information.
• Red Hat: It represents emotional thinking, feelings, instincts and intuition.
• Black Hat: It focuses on caution, risks, potential problems and weaknesses.
• Yellow Hat: It represents optimism, benefits, positive ideas and values of a particular idea or an approach.
• Green Hat: Focuses on creativity, new ideas and possibilities.
• Blue Hat: The “control hat” that manages and organizes the thinking process.

3) Practice Reverse Thinking

Instead of solving the problem, think about how to cause it. This is called Reverse Thinking. This technique can highlight the root causes and potential areas for innovation.

For example, if your goal is to reduce customer complaints, ask: “How would I increase them?” Then avoid those actions and explore their opposites.

4) Include Mind Mapping

Start with a central idea and branch out with related concepts. This visual technique helps you to reveal connections and new ideas that a normal list might miss.

5) Engage Diverse Perspectives

Invite input from people with different experiences, backgrounds and expertise. Often, the best ideas come from the least expected sources.

6) Set Artificial Constraints

Set limitations on yourself. Having too many options can be overwhelming, but boundaries can push creativity and improve decision making.

Example: Try developing a product with a $0 budget or planning an event in 24 hours.

7) Take Intentional Breaks

Breaks allow your subconscious mind to process information from your cluttered mind and make you think clearly. Activities like walking, meditating or journaling help “unstick” your thoughts.

8) Keep a Creativity Journal

Develop a habit of noting down your ideas, questions, observations or even dreams. Over time, this practice trains your brain to think differently and spot patterns you may have missed.

Real-World Examples of Thinking Out of the Box

1) NASA’s Apollo 13 Mission

When an oxygen tank explosion risked the lives of the Apollo 13 crew members, NASA engineers worked under too much pressure. They had to design a carbon dioxide filter using the only items that were available on the spacecraft. Their creative use of plastic bags, duct tape, and manuals turned a life-threatening scenario into an example of a creative problem-solving approach.

2) Airbnb

Airbnb began when two roommates decided to rent out air mattresses in their apartment to visitors or spectators of a design conference who couldn’t find hotels. It seemed like an odd idea that challenged the two roommates to think out of the box for a creative solution. And thus their idea gave birth to the new norms of hospitality based on peer-to-peer lodging. Their success originated from rethinking about travel accommodations.

3) Post-it Notes (Also called Sticky Notes)

The Post-it Note was an accidental invention. 3M scientist Spencer Silver was attempting to create a strong adhesive, but instead developed one that stuck lightly and could be repositioned. Instead of discarding the product, the company accepted the new idea, creating one of the most iconic office supplies in history.

4) Netflix

Netflix disturbed the traditional video rental model by introducing a subscription-based DVD mailing service, and later launched streaming services. While Blockbuster remained focused on physical stores, Netflix transformed content consumption by incorporating digital trends ahead of time.

5) Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” Campaign

As the sales were declining much, Coca-Cola replaced its brand’s logo with common first names on bottles and encouraged people to “Share a Coke.” The personalized experience re-engaged customers and boosted sales globally. It was a marketing strategy that connected on a personal and emotional level.

Final Thoughts

Thinking Outside the Box isn’t something you do once. It’s a mindset, a discipline that you can improve over time. By regularly challenging yourself, adopting alternative perspectives and staying open to new ideas, you can improve your creativity, which is much needed in your personal as well as professional success.

“The problem is not to find the answer, it’s to face the answer.”

– Terence McKenna

So, the next time you are stuck on a problem, just ask yourself: “What box am I thinking inside of?” Then, step beyond it.

Explore More on Contact Your Mind to develop your mindset, habits and mental clarity for a better life.