Occasionally, we get so caught up in our daily routine of going through our comfortable motions of life as we've established them that to shift gears suddenly and do something totally different, or think about something from a completely different perspective than our own can surprisingly be quite a challenge. It is not that we are selfish or rigid in our beliefs, it is simply that by human nature we develop habits. And while these habits allow us to proceed with our lives in a fairly organized and functionally healthy manner, it is good exercise for everyone to practice moving outside of themselves from time to time.

Getting out of your own way and thinking outside of the box describes the practice of forcing yourself to approach situations or ideas from perspectives you may not have ordinarily ever considered. Not only is the regular habit of undertaking this challenge important to help strengthen your relationships with other people, but it also can be an excellent tool to help you succeed in your traditional or freelance career. Thinking outside the box is a challenging way to play with the abstract parts of your mind. It leads to creativity, inspiration and very often an explosion of ideas for writing or artwork.

If you tend to be a practical thinker and often find abstract or more creative and less defined language and artwork difficult to follow or understand, I would encourage these thinking outside of the box exercises even more. And for those who are not lacking in any sort of abstractness, well, then you are already prepared for this creative fun.

Use the following ideas as starter points to help you get out of your own way and think from new perspectives. Adapt them as you so desire to suit your own needs and enjoyment:

INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO THE WORLD OF MAGIC
This task can be performed by either witnessing a live magicians on stage event (in person or on the TV) or you may opt for the less extravagant, do it yourself version and walk yourself through it with a book. As thrilling as watching a live performance may be, I recommend the book as the one most effective, as you have the opportunity to go back over things again and again.

Before you start the task, you will need to obtain a book, or otherwise a kit that might come in a box complete with various props, full of magic tricks that you are unfamiliar with. The goal will be to explore the book and teaching yourself to perform the magic tricks. Try to challenge yourself by attempting

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