I was going back and forth, having a great conversation, with someone through e-mail recently about Thinking Outside of the Box. Yes, it’s a phrase that has been around the bend a few hundred thousand times, but like vintage corvettes – it’s still a beautiful ride.
Both of us were totally on board. Come on, if people had never thought outside of confining boundaries (whether self imposed or not), we wouldn’t have the luxuries we enjoy today. People who stay inside of expectations and never color outside of the lines (even for effect), aren’t the trail blazers, inventors, or lightning bolts of the world. They never give the world a fresh breath because they never take one themselves.
Our conversation even prompted me to begin writing an article on the subject. I filled my coffee cup and checked my e-mail one final time before I started writing. The story below came floating through the inbox on the wings of irony. I thought, “Hmm, nothing I could have written would have been better PR for Thinking Outside of the Box than this is, so…” You guessed it, my coffee cup and I decided to print the story. Enjoy!
The Right Answer
You are driving down the road in your Corvette on a wild, stormy night, when you pass by a bus stop and you see three people waiting for the bus:
- An old lady who looks as if she is about to die.
- An old friend who once saved your life.
- The perfect partner you have been dreaming about.
Which one would you choose to offer a ride to, knowing that there could only be one passenger in your Corvette? Think before you continue reading.
This is a moral/ethical dilemma that was once actually used as part of a job application. You could pick up the old lady, because she is going to die, and thus you should save her first. Or you could take the old friend because he once saved your life, and this would be the perfect chance to pay him back. However, you may never be able to find your perfect mate again.
YOU WON’T BELIEVE THIS……. The candidate who was hired (out of 200 applicants) had no trouble coming up with his answer. He simply answered: ‘I would give the car keys to my old friend and let him take the lady to the hospital. I would stay behind and wait for the bus with the partner of my dreams.’ Sometimes, we gain more if we are able to give up our stubborn thought limitations. Never forget to ‘Think Outside of the Box.’
Make each moment count double,
~ Joi
We’re all familiar with endorphins and with the fact that exercising gives us a great feeling from our heads to our toes. Working out – whether it’s walking, jogging, gardening, pilates, yoga, or just cleaning the heck out of our house – makes us feel giddy to be alive! Add that to the health benefits of exercise and we should get our rears in gear a lot more often than we do.
I have a great post I’d like to throw your way. The title is 
One more detour: I wrote a book review yesterday on Self Help Daily for Maria Shriver’s wonderful new book, “Just Who Will You Be?” You should read the review, but more importantly, you should read the book. Irregardless of your age, career, fame or fortune – this is an amazing little book that’ll leave a big impact on your world if you’ll give it the chance.
