Take advantage of the ambiguity in the world. Look at something and think what else it might be.
Roger Von OechRead
If you fall in love with an idea, you won't see the merits of alternative approaches-and will probably miss an opportunity or two. One of life's great pleasures is letting go of a previously cherished idea. Then you're free to look for new ones. What part of your idea are you in love with? What would happen if you kissed it goodbye?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of being open to new ideas rather than clinging to old ones.
Roger Von Oech highlights that being too attached to a specific idea can blind us to other possibilities and opportunities that may be more beneficial. He suggests that letting go of these attachments can lead to personal growth and the discovery of new and potentially more valuable ideas, encouraging a mindset shift that allows for greater creativity and exploration.
Themes
IdeasOpportunityChangeAttachmentGrowth
In practice
Example use cases
In a team meeting, one could use this quote to encourage flexibility in thinking when brainstorming new solutions.
More from Roger Von Oech
All quotes →Look for the second right answer.
Roger Von OechRead
We grow up thinking that the best answer is in someone else's brain. Much of our education is an elaborate game of 'guess what's in the teacher's head?' What the world really needs to know right now is what kind of dreams and ideas are in your head.
Roger Von OechRead
It's easy to come up with new ideas; the hard part is letting go of what worked for you two years ago, but will soon be out-of-date.
Roger Von OechRead
Everyone has a 'risk muscle.' You keep it in shape by trying new things. If you don't, it atrophies. Make a point of using it at least once a day.
Roger Von OechRead
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