MINDSETDays to result

Projection

The framework of projection involves imagining and visualizing the future, and considering potent...

Problem it solves

limiting beliefs

Best for

Individuals looking to improve their ability to think about the future and consider potential outcomes and consequences.

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 projection involves imagining and visualizing the future, and considering potential outcomes and consequences. This approach allows individuals to think creatively and anticipate potential challenges and opportunities. By using projection, individuals can develop a more forward-thinking mindset, better equipped to handle changing circumstances and unexpected challenges. The core insight of this framework is that the brain's ability to imagine and visualize the future is a key advantage in thinking, as it enables us to consider multiple possibilities and options.

Core principles

3 total
  1. The brain's ability to imagine and visualize the future is a key advantage in thinking.
  2. Projection allows individuals to think creatively and anticipate potential challenges and opportunities.
  3. Projection can be used to consider multiple possibilities and options.

Steps

3 steps
  1. Identify the need for projection
    Recognize the importance of considering potential outcomes and consequences, and identify situations where projection can be applied. This may involve considering multiple possibilities and options, and being open to new and unexpected ideas.
    Pro tipPractice using projection in everyday thinking, such as considering potential outcomes and consequences of different actions.
    WarningBe aware of the tendency to get stuck in the present moment, and make an effort to consider the potential future implications of different actions.
  2. Imagine and visualize the future
    Use imagination and visualization to consider potential outcomes and consequences. This may involve creating mental images or scenarios, and considering multiple possibilities and options.
    Pro tipUse examples and analogies to help illustrate and visualize potential outcomes and consequences.
    WarningAvoid getting too caught up in specific details, and focus on the broader, more general aspects of the potential outcomes and consequences.
  3. Consider multiple possibilities and options
    Use projection to consider multiple possibilities and options, and to think creatively and anticipate potential challenges and opportunities. This may involve evaluating and comparing different options, and considering potential risks and benefits.
    Pro tipPractice using projection in a variety of contexts, such as in problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking.
    WarningBe aware of the potential limitations and biases of projection, and make an effort to consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints.

Checklist

Saved in your browser

Examples

2 cases
The car with square wheels

A car with square wheels is used as an example of how projection can be used to consider potential outcomes and consequences. This example illustrates the importance of considering multiple possibilities and options, and being open to new and unexpected ideas.

OutcomeThe consideration of potential outcomes and consequences 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 projection to imagine and visualize the potential characteristics of a wine, based on its label and other factors. This example illustrates the importance of considering multiple possibilities and options, and being open to new and unexpected ideas.

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

Common mistakes

3 traps
Getting stuck in the present moment
Focusing too much on the present moment can limit the ability to think creatively and anticipate potential challenges and opportunities. This can lead to a lack of forward thinking and a narrow, limited perspective.
Failing to consider multiple possibilities
Not considering multiple possibilities and options can lead to a lack of creativity and adaptability in thinking. This can result in missing out on potential solutions or opportunities.
Not practicing projection
Not practicing the use of projection can lead to a lack of proficiency and comfort with this type of thinking. This can make it more difficult to apply projection in real-world situations.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The concept of projection is rooted in the idea that the human brain is capable of imagining and visualizing the future. This idea is supported by the example of the car with square wheels, which illustrates the importance of considering potential outcomes and consequences.

Source

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

Related frameworks

Browse all Mindset →