The longer I’m travelling, the more I realise how - before I left - I was on my own little, personal crusade. My crusade was up against single-solution-thinking. Nothing violent I can reassure you. Although I wasn’t really aware how serious my crusade was until I first mentioned single-solution-thinking in my blog two weeks ago (How can I help?). Seeing different ways and new opportunities really makes me tick. It’s one of the things I like so much about coaching; being able to help people opening their mind to new ways, to different ideas or to helpful concepts. In return, I’m granted with lots of interesting thoughts and ideas to take in. Nevertheless in general, I feel single-solution-thinking is everywhere. In Europe we are brought up - and especially educated - with the idea there’s always one best solution. Until a better one comes along. It seriously narrows our perspective. And it makes people feel seriously locked-in or even scared. Especially today - in a fast and changing world - many people see no other alternative but to stop moving forward. Many people even want to go back, which causes old-fashioned-conservatism to thrive.
Very much unlike many Asian countries, who seem to be opening up to a diversity of solutions and ideas. The well-known quote is ‘same same but different’, and you’re supposed to say it with a smile and a sense of pride on your face. Anywhere, anything can be organized, only slightly different. Everyday creativity. There are few things that can’t be done and not many people seem afraid or reluctant to try something new or different. In general - staying in Asia - I feel positively surrounded by very much open-minded people, who don’t seem the least narrowed by often strong religious or family values. This is what makes Asia so vibrant to me: so many people being curious and open.
From this perspective, China for sure is ruling the world. There has never been a communist country that - at the same time - became world champion in capitalism and materialism. To me this just proves anything is possible in China. It’s only a matter of time. I feel their success today is partly related to curiosity and their ability to see so many ways. Even though Chinese society is very evolved and complex, China is always on the lookout to find and understand new concepts and ideas. I often wondered why most western countries hold back. Why don’t we pick up new concepts and ideas in Asia? As you know it doesn’t take expensive rockets or spaceships to get here. And be sure this a world to curiously explore.
Now before I lose myself in politics, lets just go back to ‘same same but different’ and progressive-creative thinking. Curiosity and openness are key competences for entrepreneurs. Both in Asia - where you will find all sorts of entrepreneurs - as back home. If you want to start, grow and maintain a business, these are probably the most important character ingredients you’d have to bring in. I’ve always liked being around entrepreneurs, all filled with ideas and enthusiasm. And I am sure most of them would not hesitate to join me on my crusade, if it wasn’t for the sake of their business they don’t. Entrepreneurs keep their special - seeing so many ways - quality to them selves, as it is the best way to benefit from our single-solution-society. They are the ones that come up with a must-have new solution, marketing it as the better one that comes along. And be sure they’ve got the next best single-solution lined up, open and creative as they are. Waiting for single-solution-people to be ready. Slowing down - in general - is better for entrepreneurs’ wallets.
Too bad! I would love to see Europe open up again, like Asia is doing. It would be great to see people regain that everyday creativity. So observe, enjoy, and learn from entrepreneurs. Or take a break and explore Asia; which especially today is a mind-bending experience. But maybe it would be even better to open your mind (and your front door) to different nationalities and cultures back home. Same same but different! You’d be surprised how it will widen your perspective.
Very much unlike many Asian countries, who seem to be opening up to a diversity of solutions and ideas. The well-known quote is ‘same same but different’, and you’re supposed to say it with a smile and a sense of pride on your face. Anywhere, anything can be organized, only slightly different. Everyday creativity. There are few things that can’t be done and not many people seem afraid or reluctant to try something new or different. In general - staying in Asia - I feel positively surrounded by very much open-minded people, who don’t seem the least narrowed by often strong religious or family values. This is what makes Asia so vibrant to me: so many people being curious and open.
From this perspective, China for sure is ruling the world. There has never been a communist country that - at the same time - became world champion in capitalism and materialism. To me this just proves anything is possible in China. It’s only a matter of time. I feel their success today is partly related to curiosity and their ability to see so many ways. Even though Chinese society is very evolved and complex, China is always on the lookout to find and understand new concepts and ideas. I often wondered why most western countries hold back. Why don’t we pick up new concepts and ideas in Asia? As you know it doesn’t take expensive rockets or spaceships to get here. And be sure this a world to curiously explore.
Now before I lose myself in politics, lets just go back to ‘same same but different’ and progressive-creative thinking. Curiosity and openness are key competences for entrepreneurs. Both in Asia - where you will find all sorts of entrepreneurs - as back home. If you want to start, grow and maintain a business, these are probably the most important character ingredients you’d have to bring in. I’ve always liked being around entrepreneurs, all filled with ideas and enthusiasm. And I am sure most of them would not hesitate to join me on my crusade, if it wasn’t for the sake of their business they don’t. Entrepreneurs keep their special - seeing so many ways - quality to them selves, as it is the best way to benefit from our single-solution-society. They are the ones that come up with a must-have new solution, marketing it as the better one that comes along. And be sure they’ve got the next best single-solution lined up, open and creative as they are. Waiting for single-solution-people to be ready. Slowing down - in general - is better for entrepreneurs’ wallets.
Too bad! I would love to see Europe open up again, like Asia is doing. It would be great to see people regain that everyday creativity. So observe, enjoy, and learn from entrepreneurs. Or take a break and explore Asia; which especially today is a mind-bending experience. But maybe it would be even better to open your mind (and your front door) to different nationalities and cultures back home. Same same but different! You’d be surprised how it will widen your perspective.
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