Think Outside the Box

Have you ever heard that you can’t solve a problem with the same thinking that created it? This idea comes from the well-recognized Albert Einstein. When we have problems in our relationships they are often created by thinking patterns that we hold. Specifically, your personal relationship problems come from the thought patterns of you and of your spouse. When you try to solve these things it becomes a lot harder to see your own. Maybe you can see your partners thought errors, but often we are unable to find our own. And even more often the two of you cannot see outside of the pattern far enough to find the solution. That is why it is so important to have an outside perspective. When you come upon a problem that seems unsolveable, you have come upon a good moment to invite someone else in. Someone who can see the two of you reaching for connection in the only ways you know how. Someone who can see that in doing this, you’re activating each other. It really requires out-of-the-box thinking. And the easiest way to get that is to take on someone who is physically outside-of-the-box (or in this case the relationship). This person could be a friend (careful, though, sometimes their unwritten job is to pick your side). Other great choices include a parent, a leader within your church or community, or even a coach or therapist. Powerful people have advisors across so many boards and topics for this very reason. You should, too.