Taking Life Beyond "the Box" by Jordan
Jordanof West Fargo's entry into Varsity Tutor's October 2018 scholarship contest
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Taking Life Beyond "the Box" by Jordan - October 2018 Scholarship Essay
“Thinking outside the box.” To most it is a common phrase about creativity, but to some it means more - much more. This short phrase contains a deeper meaning, but to find it, one must, paradoxically, think outside the box.
To fully understand my definition of “thinking outside the box,” one must first understand what is meant by “the box.” Imagine a basic cardboard box. This box does not have an exciting life. Its sole purpose is to store better things, from fresh produce to gaming systems. The box does not have a life of its own, but rather relies on the presence of a greater object. The box is boring. Now imagine what it would be like to be inside of this box. To be inside this box is to be inside a place of mediocrity and dependence on another. To be inside this box is to settle with what you are given and to never strive for anything greater. This box closes you off from the world and imprisons you in a cage of darkness. Now, in terms of real-life, the box is not literal. The box is, simply put, the psychological limitation one places on themselves. When you limit your thoughts and ideas to the ordinary, you close yourself off from a world of adventure and excitement. And this leads us to “thinking outside.”
To “think outside the box” is to break free of the standardized restraints you were given. You are not forced to adhere to what you were given. As Einstein said, “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.” To innovate, one must pave the road to their own destiny. They cannot settle for what they have, but instead must strive to be greater, to be grander, than they were the day before. Just because you were given a box does not mean that you need to live inside it. You must go above and beyond what others have thought to create your own ideas. There has never been and never will be anyone exactly like you. You have your own thoughts, your own ideas, and your own life. Therefore, it is your duty to combine these into something that you would be honored to call your own. This is how greatness is achieved.
The phrase “thinking outside the box” is one of profound significance; it guides people to innovation, achievements, and greatness. This phrase, in all its complexities, has the potential to navigate people out of a cycle of conformity. It is not until one breaks out of this metaphorical box that they can explore the world that is your own thoughts, your own ideas, and your own life.