Forget About the Box: Embracing Limitless Problem Solving
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Chapter 1: Confronting Life's Challenges
Life presents us with significant hurdles, both in our personal and professional realms. The term "significant" resonates here, as it's all about how we perceive our circumstances. Some days, simply getting out of bed can feel like a monumental challenge.
I've had the chance to experience life at its extremes — making choices that shifted my trajectory in an instant. While some experiences have been chaotic, they've taught me that navigating through tough times is what ultimately leads to moments of triumph.
I often embody cognitive dissonance, making others uncomfortable by pursuing what they deem impossible. As a newly minted litigation associate, I successfully challenged a century-old trust to enable a gay couple to inherit.
More recently, as a non-medical, middle-aged attorney, I managed to keep a bedridden former Green Beret healthy and happy at home for two years until his passing. This required skills that many thought were unachievable, yet I succeeded.
I didn’t think beyond the box; I disregarded it entirely.
The box signifies limitations, and as a human with a functioning intellect, you can find solutions. The first step is to understand why you believe you are constrained.
When faced with obstacles that seem insurmountable, I assure you that you can overcome them. Don't allow others to dictate your capabilities — only you know your limits, and if you listen closely to your instincts, you'll find your way.
The proponents of "mindfulness" may sound overly trendy, but their insights hold weight. My approach is more straightforward, shaped by my upbringing and life experiences.
You Have No "Personal" Box
Being born to two PhD chemists, I often felt like the underachiever in my family. While my brother graduated as valedictorian, I struggled and faced expulsion. Nevertheless, my parents treated me with respect and instilled in me the belief that I could achieve anything — much to their chagrin.
I chose the path of a lawyer, eventually working under Tom, my mentor — a former Green Beret with a penchant for adventure. It felt as though I was a small beagle placed before a formidable guard dog, tasked with learning the ropes.
You Have No "Professional" Box
I began my legal career with a bang, assisting a gay couple, H and W, whose relationship faced legal hurdles. At that time, sodomy was illegal in Texas, and H's trust posed a significant barrier to W's inheritance due to restrictive conditions.
Other lawyers claimed dismantling the trust was necessary, a lengthy and costly process. Despite the conventional boundaries of trust law, I decided to explore alternatives. H was a remarkable individual, and I was determined to assist them.
I succeeded by navigating the trust's framework rather than opposing it. H adopted W as his son, securing his legal rights in just 30 days for around $2,500.
A Final Note About the Box
Every challenge has a solution, but believing you are confined by a box makes it harder to address your issues. Limitations can be real, and they will reveal themselves when necessary. Until then, focus on taking one correct step at a time.
I can't dictate what those steps entail — that varies for everyone. Following Tom's passing, my initial step was literal — a simple walk. Now, nearly two years later, I can reflect on the lessons learned from my struggles.
To cement my reputation as the Keanu of Medium, I'll leave you with this thought: there is no box. You are capable of handling the challenges that come your way; either you possess the skills or can seek assistance.
Don’t let anything confine you unless it’s the event horizon of a black hole — that’s the only boundary we cannot surpass… yet.
Chapter 2: Embracing the Unexpected
In the video "Thinking outside the box requires a box: Michael Bahr at TEDxSUU," the speaker discusses the importance of redefining boundaries in creative thinking. Embrace the challenges and discover the potential that lies beyond traditional limitations.
The second video, "Forget Thinking Outside the Box for Innovation," emphasizes the necessity of letting go of conventional constraints in order to foster genuine innovation. Dive into the ideas presented and see how they can inspire your own journey.
Here's a glimpse into a classic moment with Tom and Rachel — enjoy the adventure!
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