Think Like A Kid

David Armano of Logic+Emotion interviewed me recently (interview is HERE). One of his questions was, "What has surprised you about blogging?" And I said, "It's been really nice to have 'beginner's mind' again. There are just a lot of new things to learn. But it's a lot of fun. I feel like a big kid."

What an amazing coincidence! Because today's card from the Creative Whack Pack is #17: "Think Like A Kid." As you read this, think about how this creative strategy applies to a current problem or issue.

A high school teacher drew a dot on the blackboard and asked the class what it was. "A chalk dot on the blackboard," was the only response. "I'm surprised at you," the teacher said. "I did this exercise with a group of kindergartners and they thought of fifty different things it could be: an owl's eye, a squashed bug, a cow's head. They had their imaginations in high gear." As Picasso put it, "Every child is an artist. The challenge is to remain an artist after you grow up." What are the first things a kid would say about your problem?

If a kid were looking at your problem, and asked you the following questions, how would you (thinking like a kid) respond?

• What's really fun about your problem? What's not fun?
• What doesn't make sense?
• How can you be more playful in how you think about it?
• What's hard to understand?
• What new rules you can make up?
• What imaginary friend you should have to help you with this problem?
• If your problem or issue were a game, how do you score points? What rules do you need to follow? What constitutes a brilliant play? What puts you in the record books?
• What gets you kicked out? What receives a standing ovation from the fans?
• What do you have to do to get booed? Do you care?

What opportunities do you have to "think like a kid" today?

Comments

[simon]

Just discovered your blog via Logic and Emotion, and like you I've just started my own blog, along with a new company attached. I really just wanted to say thanks. I've used Whack on the Side of the Head all my career (actually, I've never had a career, just a series of really interesting jobs.) Anyway, to a large extent you made it possible. So once again thanks.

[mindblob]

Amazing coincidence... you're right Roger! Or maybe was it just the way it had to be. ; )

Maybe some connections on internet work like in our brains. The links we create via blogging are maybe like neurons dendrites and axons. Once they are identified... these roads become speedways and ideas travel faster.

As to thinking like a kid, I'd say there must be a link between opportunities and curiosity. Every time we follow our curiosity, and are open to reconsider things from scratch... then we are ready to think like a kid (again).

PS : Great interview on David's Logic+ Emotion. : )

[Roger von Oech]

Thanks for your comments, Luc and Simon.

One place where I get to "think like a kid" every day is the swimming pool at Masters workout. Between 11:45 and 1 pm, I feel like a 12 & under again (as do the other "adults" I swim with). I come out feeling refreshed.