MINDSETWeeks to result

Movement and Alternatives

Moving forward from a position

Problem it solves

limiting beliefs

Best for

Individuals looking to improve their ability to think creatively and generate new ideas and solutions.

Not ideal for

Those who prefer a highly structured and detailed approach to thinking and problem-solving.

Overview

Why this framework exists

The framework of movement and alternatives involves moving forward from a position, and considering multiple possibilities and options. This approach allows individuals to think more creatively and generate new ideas and solutions, and to avoid getting stuck in a single perspective or approach. By using movement and alternatives, individuals can develop a more flexible and adaptable mindset, better equipped to handle complex and challenging tasks. The core insight of this framework is that the brain's ability to move forward from a position and consider multiple possibilities and options is a key advantage in thinking, as it enables us to generate new ideas and solutions and to avoid getting stuck in a single perspective or approach.

Core principles

3 total
  1. The brain's ability to move forward from a position and consider multiple possibilities and options is a key advantage in thinking.
  2. Movement and alternatives allow individuals to think more creatively and generate new ideas and solutions.
  3. Movement and alternatives can be used to avoid getting stuck in a single perspective or approach.

Steps

3 steps
  1. Identify the need for movement and alternatives
    Recognize the importance of moving forward from a position and considering multiple possibilities and options, and identify situations where movement and alternatives can be applied. This may involve considering multiple tasks and responsibilities, and being open to new and unexpected ideas.
    Pro tipPractice using movement and alternatives in everyday thinking, such as considering multiple possibilities and options and moving forward from a position.
    WarningBe aware of the tendency to get stuck in a single perspective or approach, and make an effort to consider multiple possibilities and options.
  2. Move forward from a position
    Use movement and alternatives to move forward from a position, and consider multiple possibilities and options. This may involve using external frameworks or tools, such as the CoRT thinking programme, to support movement and alternatives.
    Pro tipUse examples and analogies to help illustrate and support movement and alternatives.
    WarningAvoid getting too caught up in specific details, and focus on the broader, more general aspects of movement and alternatives.
  3. Practice movement and alternatives in a variety of contexts
    Use movement and alternatives in a variety of contexts, such as in problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking. This may involve applying movement and alternatives to different tasks and responsibilities, and evaluating and comparing different options.
    Pro tipPractice using movement and alternatives in everyday thinking, such as considering multiple possibilities and options and moving forward from a position.
    WarningBe aware of the potential limitations and biases of movement and alternatives, and make an effort to consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints.

Checklist

Saved in your browser

Examples

2 cases
The provocation 'Cars should have square wheels'

The provocation 'Cars should have square wheels' illustrates the importance of considering multiple possibilities and options and moving forward from a position. This example supports the idea that movement and alternatives are essential for effective thinking and problem-solving.

OutcomeThe consideration of multiple possibilities and options leads to the development of new ideas and solutions, such as the concept of 'active' or 'intelligent suspension'.
Edward de Bono, Teach Yourself To Think
The wine expert

A wine expert uses movement and alternatives to identify the characteristics of a wine. This example illustrates the importance of considering multiple possibilities and options and moving forward from a position, and supports the idea that movement and alternatives are essential for effective thinking and problem-solving.

OutcomeThe wine expert is able to accurately identify the wine and its characteristics, based on their use of movement and alternatives.
Edward de Bono, Teach Yourself To Think

Common mistakes

3 traps
Getting stuck in a single perspective or approach
Failing to consider multiple possibilities and options can lead to a lack of creativity and adaptability in thinking. This can result in getting stuck in a single perspective or approach.
Failing to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and responsibilities
Not using movement and alternatives to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and responsibilities can lead to a lack of effectiveness and efficiency in thinking. This can result in missing out on potential solutions or opportunities.
Not practicing movement and alternatives
Not practicing the use of movement and alternatives can lead to a lack of proficiency and comfort with this type of thinking. This can make it more difficult to apply movement and alternatives in real-world situations.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The concept of movement and alternatives is rooted in the idea that the human brain is capable of moving forward from a position and considering multiple possibilities and options. This idea is supported by the example of the provocation 'Cars should have square wheels', which illustrates the importance of considering multiple possibilities and options and moving forward from a position.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Teach Yourself To Think
Edward de Bono · 2020
Open source →

Related frameworks

Browse all Mindset →