In a recent blog, “Lessons from Spilled Oil,” I made the point that while there is a place for technology and engineering expertise, too often one can get so cluttered up with their limiting parameters that simple solutions are overlooked. There are times when a non-technical good idea is more productive than engineering overkill.

After I posted my article, I saw a neighbor under the hood of his truck. Threads on the screw that kept his distributor cap tight and in place had been stripped which prevented the distributor from working properly. The placement of the distributor was located in such a position that it made simple repair methods next to impossible.

After spending a lot of time trying to figure out how to reach the stripped screw and/or to remove the parts that made it unreachable, he displayed utter frustration.

The point I made in my article was that solutions to problems are not necessarily what mainstream methods and procedures would have us believe. I pointed out to my friend that the problem did not necessarily involve replacing the stripped screw; the objective was to find some simple means by which the distributor cap could remain tight and secure.

With that mindset, an idea occurred to me that had nothing to do with “obvious” procedures. We implemented my abstract idea it in less than a minute and that distributor cap is tighter now than it was when the truck was new. A difficult, frustrating problem yielded to the implementation of a simple idea.

I mentioned in my “Spilled Oil” blog that I have highly visible 3-Dsigns around my office. (I call them “Thought Boxes”*) In addition to the one that reminds me “Don’t do stupid stuff” is another that was appropriate for solving my neighbor’s problem: “When you react to appearances, you are not in control.” It is often more productive to look away from the problem and focus on being aware of ideas that will achieve the objective.

Lift your thought out of traditional thought processes Ideas will unfold from within your individual conscious awareness. They will answer any question, meet any need and reveal the proper procedures by which one can meet any goal or objective. And it doesn’t matter whether it is an oil spill in the Gulf, an automotive problem, surviving a hurricane or any other “problem”, the principle is the same. Contemplate only infinite consciousness and assume a listening attitude. This will release the flow ideas whose only purpose is to reverse any adverse situation into harmony.

When all else fails, INNOVATE!

*(I find my “Thought Boxes” keep my thoughtts focused in a positive, constructive mindset. You can anticipate an article addressing this concept soon. I’m sure you could benefit from them as I do.)

Its completeness was my completeness.  Its perfection was my perfection.  Its harmony and balance was my harmony and balance.  How could it be otherwise?  The infinite nature of the universe rendered any implied challenge as being an absolute impossibility.

In view of these inevitable facts (“Something that has actual existence; a piece of evidence having objective reality” Webster) I need never have any concern for my well-being, which is maintained by the natural perfection of an all-inclusive, infinite universe of which I am an integral part.

Then I turned on the news. It presented pictures of a world in conflict, violence, corruption, political unrest and predictions of hard times at all levels of business and personal life.  Where did this world come from?

I am reminded of a peaceful evening my wife and I were enjoying in New Orleans when it was interrupted by my spotting a giant cockroach on the floor. We experienced an immediate reaction: shock, excitement, an adrenaline rush and a sense of urgency to do something about it.

I immediately took on the role of a “great hunter” and ran to get the can of Raid.  As I cautiously approached my “enemy”, I noticed that it was not a cockroach at all but was only a leaf that had been tracked in from the garden.  We were immediately healed of all our traumas and anxieties. Peace was restored as soon as we recognized the truth of the situation.

Where did the cockroach go?   It didn’t “go” anywhere because it wasn’t a real “something” in the first place!

When your peace, harmony and balance seem to be interrupted by any adverse situation that sends you into a defensive frame of  mind and suggests that you must attack the problem, remember it has no more reality than my cockroach and will “disappear” just as readily when you recognize it for what it is…. or isn’t.

• unemployed
• having a divorce
• financially strapped
• addicted to drugs and alcohol
• struggling with my weight
• victimized by bad people
• in legal trouble
• alone and lonely
• in a bad relationship
• other

Focus on any one of the above problems and recall how it makes you feel rejected and unwanted. You feel depressed and fear the future will bring dire circumstances. You fear what others may do to harm you and don’t know where to turn for help. You feel like a failure, humiliated and envious of others who don’t have the problems you do. Your think life is out of control and you can’t go on.

You have a tendency to feel sorry for yourself and ask, “Why does this have to happen to me”? Pretty soon, however, your “pity party” be over and you’ll be faced with the cold, hard fact that you better get your act together and DO something about it. But what?

Now is the time to “take your stand and make your demands” and realize that the only reason you are experiencing this difficulty is because you have erroneously identified yourself with a world environment that promotes problems, chaos, confusion, conflict and threats and resists all attempts that would challenge it.

You are experiencing this problem within your own consciousness and it is here that it must be resolved. It is not the “problem” that causes your discomfiture, it is because you have made it personal to you and have reacted to it as though it were a real “something” that you need to confront and defeat.

Now is the time for you to draw the line, refocus your thoughts and accept the fact offered by Dr. Einstein that, “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it. We must learn to see the world anew”.

To “see the world anew” means that we must reverse our erroneous perspective and embrace the real, infinite universe of which you are an integral part. This universe is defined by Webster as, “The whole body of things without limit or exception and accruing everywhere“. By definition, its infinite nature precludes the existence of any opposing world, universe or forces. Indeed, Webster tells us that this universe always has been, is now and always will be controlled, maintained and sustained in perpetuity by natural laws and principles which he defines as “the creative and controlling forces of the universe”. Anything that deviates from this standard has no reality, is a fictitious illusion and not worthy of your attention.

Open your thought and totally reject any and all contemplation of the problem. Into this void, lift your thought to embrace the infinitude of the “whole body of things without limit or exception and accruing everywhere” with a “listening” attitude of positive expectancy.

“Positive expectancy” is knowing the answer is available BEFORE it happens. Remember, success, prosperity, freedom and a pressure-free way of life are already as natural to you as wet is to water. Knowing this is a spiritual mindset, defined by Webster as, “a life-giving force having no material body or form…. that determines and influences events and circumstances” that comprise your life experiences. It establishes the proper mental environment that allows the “creative and controlling forces of the universe” to reveal the answers or solutions you are seeking. They will appear to your conscious awareness in whatever form is necessary to dissolve, annihilate and cancel anything unlike itself.

Note that this process is the same for ANY problem, or negation, that claims a real identity. There is only ONE procedure that will resolve ANY and ALL problems. It is not unlike the way the light destroys darkness. It makes no difference how long the room has been dark. It makes no difference what the contents of the room are. When light is introduced into the situation, the whole room and all its contents are immediately revealed.

I realize this approach is a radical departure from traditional procedures, but its logic and scientific laws and principles form the very structure of a universe that resides in and as your consciousness.

This a giant leap from a mindset formed by what appears to be an external world with its own negative laws of chaos, confusion and conflict. Test it by applying it to some relatively minor problem. If you find it difficult to accept right away, I urge you to study my book, “The Science of LIVING BETTER FOREVER” and read the variety of posts on my blog at www.davisgoss.com.

If you still have difficulties, I invite you to contact me and let me clear up any points on which you need clarification. You’ll be under no obligation for this initial consultation.

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We can all identify with the French philosopher Rene Descartes who as far back as the 15^th century, made a great discovery and announced to the world “cogito ergo sum”… “I think, therefore, I am”. We, too, upon awakening in the morning, are aware of the irrefutable fact that we are each an individual thinking entity. It is axiomatic that as conscious thinking individuals we have the capacity to control and change our experiences simply by making disciplined choices as to what we think and how we think.

All growth, achievement, prosperity and freedom are predicated more on creative thinking than on any other cause.

Creative thinking is defined by Webster as, “the ability to be productive through imaginative skills”. And he defines imagination as, “the forming of mental images or ideas”. Ideas are an omnipresent component of the thinking process. Indeed, thinking is comprised of ideas (“mental images in thought” [Webster]). Ideas are not something that exists somewhere external to our thinking; they are already resident in the mind, or consciousness, of each individual. We each have an unlimited inventory of ideas but we often find it impossible to find just the right idea when we need it.

How, then, does one access the flow of ideas in order that we may achieve our heritage of success, prosperity and freedom to which we all aspire?

1. Let’s realize that this creative mental phenomenon functions separate and apart from the conscious reasoning process. It is the opening of thought to a dimension of awareness that involves perceptive capacities and an intuitive sense that cannot be measured or predicted. It is known and recognized only by its effects.

2. Creativity is an approach or direction toward its subject that departs from routines and preconceived hypotheses and thereby breaks the barriers and generally accepted norms that might be held by those of more disciplined training. Creative thinking is based on the unlimited, unconfined, abstract, undisciplined and unencumbered.

3. In order that one develop this creative capacity one must, paradoxically, be aware of certain disciplines. These disciplines, however, are not rules of limitation or confining parameters. Rather, they are conditions to be alert to that would tend to restrict the flow of ideas.

Look at it this way. A soft rubber ball naturally assumes its round shape as a ball. If you were to distort your ball by winding it with elastic bands, you would have a grotesque, distorted shape that’s all bound up and restricted because of the unnatural limits imposed on it by the elastics. It wouldn’t roll like a ball. It wouldn’t bounce like a ball. It would no longer resemble a ball.

But if you were to remove the restrictive elastics, the ball would resume its natural shape as a ball.

Note this: You do not have to do anything to the ball to make it take its natural shape because that is the natural characteristic of the ball. All you have to do to induce this natural condition is to remove the restrictive barriers that have prevented it from appearing to be what it really is.

Our thought is much the same. It is the acceptance of restricting, limiting thoughts that prevents our being consciously aware of the ideas of which it is comprised. It’s our limited thinking, our blind acceptance of preconceived prejudices that restricts the flow of new ideas and concepts. Therefore, it is the opening of thought and a quiet mental listening attitude that brings them forth. These ideas, remember, are always present in our minds and are simply waiting for our recognition of them. This brings forth new concepts and solutions to our problems and opens the way to new growth opportunities and achievement.

Provide the proper mental environment. Take time to think. Be quiet and LISTEN.

Details of this revealing perspective are outlined in my book, “The Science of LIVING BETTER FOREVER“. Unique in its content and format, this book presents a no-nonsense, direct continuity of proven natural laws and principles that, when properly applied, assures positive results with predictable certainty.

Mr. Goss can be contacted at: www.livingbetterforever.com
or by e-mail at ideaguy@davisgoss.com

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This scares me.

This advancement precipitates an increasing reliance on computer skills and “push the envelope” technology. This over-emphasis tends to wean people away from original thinking. Over the years, I’ve seen many very bright people let their computers do their thinking for them. Without realizing it, they became the victims of somebody else’s thinking and robbed them of their individuality.

I’ve been a student and practitioner of creative thinking all my life. I was a creative consultant long before the Internet was a factor. From my admittedly biased point of view, I think the time has come to champion a new technology. The next technological breakthrough should be a re-discovery of creative thinking:

• The kind of individual creativity and innovative genius that built our free enterprise system.
• The kind of uncluttered common sense creativity that is devoid of academic “isms” and “ologies.”
• The kind of creativity that existed (and worked!) long before time and technology distorted its simplicity and relevance.

Webster defines creative thinking as “the ability to be productive through imaginative skills”. Notice he makes the point that we must be productive. His definition of productive is “to establish results, benefits and profits.” And how does he suggest that we do this? He says it should be “through imaginative skills.”

Notice that he makes no reference to technological skills or training. He says nothing about academic proficiency, administrative talents or scanning the Internet. He refers to only one method: using the imagination, which he defines as “the forming of mental images (ideas) of things not present to the senses or never before wholly perceived.”

IDEAS!

As important as modern day technological tools are, it should be realized that throughout all recorded history, nothing was ever accomplished, no goal was ever reached, no need was ever met and no problem was ever solved that didn’t begin with an idea!

Ideas are the substance of the imagination. They are the effects of creative thinking. When people ignore or overlook new ideas and concepts, they risk becoming the victims of another’s creative initiative regardless of their technological competence. While any activity should take advantage of the best technological aids available, it behooves us to be alert to the necessity for balance and make specific, conscious efforts to increase our imaginative skills. We should be constantly scanning our mental horizons for opportunities for growth and advancement and become aware of the events and circumstances that can contribute to our productivity, defined by Webster as, “establishing results, benefits and profits” through our “imaginative skills.”

Your mind, which embodies this “thing” called “creativity,” is the source of all ideas. Your consciousness is the best computer ever devised. However mind-boggling the next generation of computers may be, that master computer between your ears is the only “mechanism” that can generate new, original ideas and be responsive to the flow of mental images of the imagination.

These images are a glimpse into the future. It is vision, which is defined by Webster as “the act or power of perceiving mental images (ideas) in the imagination.” Jonathan Swift noted that “vision is the art of seeing the invisible.” Helen Keller was quoted as having said, “Worse than being blind, is to have no vision.”

Remember, the computer and all its associated technologies are merely the outward manifestation of someone’s creative thinking. Remember too, that an effect cannot, and never will, initiate any action of its own. It must forever be subservient to its primal cause and source: creative thinking.

It was Victor Hugo who reminded us that “there is nothing more powerful than the right idea whose time has come.” That time is NOW!

Take time to marvel at the computer with all its wonder, with all its contributing technologies and its capacity to make such a significant contribution to our way of life. But always reserve a quiet place in your mind where you can retire from the pressures imposed by the “real world” and take time to THINK.

My book, “The Science of LIVING BETTER FOREVER“, outlines the details of his unique problem solving techniques based solely on the logical continuity of natural laws and principles, which are defined by Webster as, “the creative and controlling forces of the universe.”

Mr. Goss can be contacted at: www.livingbetterforever.com
or by e-mail at: ideaguy at davisgoss.com

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Are you one of the geese that follows the pack? Or are you one of those “renegades” that is constantly looking for a better way to dominate a market?

The old cliché “think outside the box” is grossly overworked, but its truth is as fresh today as any basic truth.

Today the world seems dominated by markets that are flooded with “me too” products and services. Too many businesses compete for the same customers with the same products or services in the same way hoping that if they can just run fast enough they can gain a statistical share of the market.

Market dominance belongs to that one in the industry who responds most creatively to changing market demands and opportunities. In order to gain and maintain a competitive advantage in the market, one in the industry must make a departure from the accepted “norm” and offer the market a tangible “added value” ingredient that others do not, or cannot, offer.

Market dominance belongs to the “other goose” who dares to break from popular trends and strike out on a new course of action. It is the “other goose” who realizes that throughout all recorded history, nothing was ever accomplished, no goal was ever reached, no need was ever met and no problem was ever solved that didn’t begin with a new IDEA. This is done by invoking the kind of common sense creativity that existed (and worked) long before time and technology distorted its simplicity and relevance.

“Creative thinking” is defined by Webster as, “the ability to be productive through imaginative skills.” He defines “productivity” as, “to establish results, benefits and profits.” It’s not always easy to break away from the rigid, static and limiting elements that restrict thinking but if you will look at the problem, the product or service from a flexible alternatives of how it “could” be or “might” be we can begin to break the pattern of sameness. For example:

What would happen if you made it:

Bigger, Fatter, Smaller, Harder, Thicker, Off-center, Invisible, Heavier, etc.

See it in terms of change in:

Color, Packaging, Texture, Rhythm, Financing, Benefits, Order, Materials, etc.

Relate it to elements found in other:

Markets, Inventions, Talents, Research, Procedures, Designs, Presentations, etc.

Broaden your perspective by consulting with:

Experts, Universities, Professionals, Patent Office, Trade Associations, Antagonists, etc.

Let’s look at a few real-world examples.

• Furniture stores are a dime a dozen (and expensive to boot). Scandinavian IKEA revolutionized the way people bought furniture by offering affordable, good quality products that you, gasp, put together yourself. Talk about flying out of pattern!
• Or consider Google, who, unlike other internet players, offers its business document services for free. You can bet Microsoft is having a fit!

Expand this list with ideas of your own and cross reference these catalysts and you will begin to envision may alternative considerations that will break the mold of sameness. Some will be completely wild and impractical but these will serve to further expand your thinking. New ideas will begin to flow. “Ideas” are “mental images in thought” (Webster). Follow these ideas in your imagination. Become the “other goose,” break the pattern of sameness exhibited by others in the industry and set new standards of market dominance.

Check lout the scientific logic outlined in my book, “The Science of LIVING BETTER FOREVER.” It offers a new perspective from which to view the “ordinary” world of sameness and break the mold of “me-too-ism.” It is available from AMAZON and bookstores everywhere.

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Imagination provides us with a lifelong journey.

Unfortunately, in our growing up process, modern day computer dependency and high tech advancements have tended to school creativity and imagination out of us. We have been compelled to conform to the parameters and restrictions the world has imposed upon us.

To be free of these limitations we must get back to basics and learn to exercise our natural capacity to invoke creative thinking. “Creative thinking” is defined by Webster as, “the ability to be productive through imaginative skills.”

To develop these “imaginative skills,” we must leave the world of limits and restrictive parameters, reject traditional “common sense” and deliberately break the bonds of accepted thinking. We must embark on what will be the most exciting adventure imaginable and explore new areas of discovery.

In this adventure, we will be completely alone. We will step out into new territories where there are no road maps, charts or blueprints to follow. There is nothing ahead of us but the excitement of discovering new horizons of unlimited achievement and invoking the kind of creativity that existed (and worked!) long before time and technology distorted its simplicity and relevance.

“Imagination,” according to Webster, is, “the act or power of forming mental images of something not present to the senses or never before wholly perceived.” All the criteria for creativity are embodied in this one word: IMAGINATION! What cannot be imagined?!

The range and flexibility of your imagination is virtually without limit. It is free of all limitations and restrictions. There is only one rule that pertains to your imagination and that rule is:

· There are no rules.

Your imagination is limited only by your imagination. In your imagination you are the absolute reigning monarch. You have absolute control over the images of your imagination. Here in your imagination you can fry ice and dribble footballs with absolute control and balance. Imaginative concepts do not control you; you control them. They are forever ready and willing to obey your every command and instruction and do so instantaneously without offering any resistance.

They initiate no action of their own but allow you to entertain the abstract or bizarre without passing judgments or criticisms. Because like begets like, we must be alert to entertain only those mental images that are positive and productive. Negative concepts will produce negative results.

Open your thought to be responsive to the new ideas and concepts as you exercise your “power of forming mental images (ideas) of things not present to the senses…” Miracles take place in your imagination.

No wonder Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge!”

With the power of your imagination, you are truly on the cutting edge of real progress and the controller of destinies.

Little wonder that Napoleon said, “Imagination rules the world.”

Creative thinking, “the ability to be productive through imaginative skills,” is pivotal to the productivity and success of any endeavor. Particularly when you realize that Webster defines “productive” as “the establishment of results, benefits and profits.”

My book, “The Science of LIVING BETTER FOREVER,” outlines the details of this unique problem solving methods that are based solely on scientific laws and principles.