”There is nothing that is a more certain sign of insanity than to do the same thing over and over and expect the results to be different.”

-Albert Einstein

By learning new ways to solve problems, we can increase the profitability of our businesses. One universal principle at the core of learning to think like a genius is thinking outside of the box like Albert Einstein.

Albert Einstein was one of the world’s most natural “out of the box” thinkers. He was the “James Dean” of science because he loved to break the rules. It was at the core of his genius. We can think in the same imaginative way that Einstein thought. It is in our DNA. We are a creative race of innovators.

Einstein-type thinking isn’t easy. It’s like writing with the wrong hand. It’s uncomfortable. You have to consider ideas that common sense screams, “absurd!” Fortunately, it can be challenging, fun and very rewarding.

The techniques that Einstein used instinctively are techniques that anyone can mimic. By doing what he did, even those of us with modest intelligence can think like a genius. Albert Einstein said, “The whole of science is nothing more than the refinement of everyday thinking.”

The process consists of these seven basic steps:

1. Find the right problem: “The most important thing is to not stop questioning.” Albert Einstein. Too often a problem is stated, a few quick solutions pop up, and they are implemented. Soon the same issue comes back with greater intensity. The real core issue had not even been addressed. The best way to discover the right problem is to continually ask probing questions, listen and assume nothing.

2. Break the pattern: “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Albert Einstein. Einstein was most successful when he was willing to consider anything, including particularly ridiculous ideas. Breaking patterns takes you out of your thinking rut by generating the novel ideas that you are usually too practical to consider.

3. Break the rules: “There are no rules here — we’re trying to accomplish something.” Thomas Edison. Rules can become so important that they hinder us. We must ignore, change or break the rules. If you have been unable to find a solution among all the acceptable alternatives, then you must examine the impossible alternatives. You must be passionately curious to break some rules successfully.

4. Ignore limitations: “Do not quench your inspiration and your imagination; do not become the slave of your model.” Vincent Van Gogh. “Where are the assets or cash going to come from?” “There is no way we can do that!” Virtually every new and great idea has been outside the realm of current rules or standards. Limitations are the death of creativity and ingenuity.

5. Discard old answers. “Mere precedent is a dangerous source of authority.” Andrew Jackson. “We have always done it this way!” are the most dangerous words ever spoken when it comes to creativity and growth. Put your problem on a clean slate, start from nothing and be open to what could be. The answers you get may amaze you.

6. Simplify: “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” Albert Einstein. Making things simple is true genius. Anyone can complicate things. Whatever problem we are facing is probably not as complicated as we think — but we often make it so. Break it down and simplify it.

7. Don’t give up: “It’s not that I am smart, it’s just that I stay with the problem longer.” Albert Einstein. It took Einstein years before he could develop relativity into a useful theory. Great solutions seldom seem great when conceived. You must suspend judgment, seek help, make mistakes and invest the time to grow an idea into a great solution.

The ability to look at problems from new and interesting perspectives is incredibly valuable in today’s workplace. Our future depends on us thinking differently today that we thought yesterday. Einstein’s “out of the box” thinking changed the world. It can change ours as well.

Brad Larsen is a life coach and leadership coach /consultant from Northern Utah. He can be reached at bradlarsen@dailymasterpieces.com.