Thinking outside of the box is not easy. You have to train yourself to do this, and you have to keep exercising these memory muscles to stay sharp.
I know because I used to be an idiot unable to think beyond the box. I remember years ago sitting with one of my wife’s cousin, with us both trying to come up with a new idea to make some additional money. All we could come up with were more of the same, just being wage slaves. We were unable to pierce the box and come up with anything new and doable for fast cash.
I have looked back on this moment over the years and it has haunted me. Especially now, considering that I pitch business ideas to clients who are looking for synergistic ideas for their businesses.
So I have also tried to teach my kids to think outside of the box and it has been successful to an extent. While in High School one of my kids, to make money would go to Sam’s Club and but the fundraising candy pack. He would make $16 off of the box and did this regularly for years. He also signed up to be a product tester. He made enough money doing this once or twice a month to cover all of his personal expenses through college.
Today I have a few side businesses,unfortunately last year all of them made money; which was unfortunate, since it increased my tax bill. But then again the money was there to pay the taxes.
With the world changing you need to explore alternative revenue sources and income streams. Do you think outside of the box? Have you created additional revenue streams for you and your family?