How to Think Outside the Box — Your Primal Core Holds the Key

“Isn’t it time to think outside the box?’ We’ve all heard that expression, right? But …how did you get inside the box in the first place?  …what box is everyone talking about? …and how do we think ourselves out of it? 

When you understand the answers to these questions, you’ll unlock a world of unequaled innovation. You’ll surpass your wildest expectations to become the influential leader you’ve always dreamed of being. And it all started with the development of your Primal Core…

Just a note… this isn’t a quick how-to article about thinking more creatively or improving your problem-solving skills. Although I have written about those topics before. Here’s a sampling:

• How to Become More Creative – See the World through Different Lenses
• Daily Taking a Break from Work –The Secret to Innovation and Excellence

This article will help you dive deeply into what’s created “the box” — the world you live in — which, ultimately, will open your eyes to seeing everything from a whole new perspective! You’ll understand how your history is shaping your present reality and future possibilities. You’ll learn to expand your vision beyond what Arthur Schopenhauer noted, 

“Every person takes the limits of their own field of vision for the limits of the world.”  

How far can you see into your potential? Can you envision yourself leading transformative initiatives and breaking barriers? Or do you find yourself thinking, “I could never do that!” when presented with an opportunity? If self-doubt or limiting beliefs are your automatic response, your Primal Core could be narrowing your perspective as an innovative leader.

What is your Primal Core? 

Your Primal Core is the embodiment of your personal history, beliefs, and experiences. It encompasses the mental and emotional patterns you have developed over time, which can either empower or limit your potential. 

This core is deeply ingrained, often formed in childhood, when your perceptions were shaped by early experiences. Out of certain life events, you develop beliefs about yourself, others, and the world at large. You make up your mind about these things as a child, with your limited ability to understand, to abstract, and to have ample perspectives.

 And you created narratives to make sense of the world because we like to make sense of things by categorizing, labeling, and cataloging.

These stories became habits and behaviors that manifest in your thoughts, emotions, and even physical body. They are responsible for keeping you stuck, because they trigger negative self-talk, limiting beliefs, the fight-or-flight response, fear, stress, doubt, or anxiety. Without even consciously knowing why, you find yourself doing the same thing — falling for the same kind of guy, getting passed over for promotion, having the same argument, or eating that tub of ice cream, when you really don’t want it — over and over again.

Your primal core shows up in muscle tone, posture, movement patterns, and energy flow. It orients you to certain perceptions, actions, and reactions and it certainly impacts your leadership potential. It influences everything from confidence and decision-making to communication and presence. By becoming aware of the core beliefs and patterns that shape your actions, you can consciously shift from being reactive to proactive, from self-limiting to self-empowered.

You can’t separate your thoughts and emotions from your body — they are connected. We thrive on being centered as a physical, emotional, mental, spiritual person.

“Dream Big, Start Small” Here’s the one thing you can do today.

The Mirror of Self-Awareness (See, Say, Sense) is a simple but powerful exercise that helps you connect with your Primal Core by increasing awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. In just a few minutes, you’ll gain deep insight into your inner world.

1. Stand or sit in front of a mirror, making sure you can see your entire face and upper body. Gaze softly into your own eyes. Take a few deep breaths and allow yourself to settle into the moment. Notice any initial thoughts or judgments that arise, but don’t engage with them. Just observe.

2. See — Mindfully Observe Without Judgment: As you look into your eyes, ask yourself:

“What do I see in myself right now?”
Notice the expression on your face, your posture, and any subtle movements. Are your shoulders tense? Is your face relaxed or strained? Take in these observations without labeling them as good or bad.

3. Say — Speak Your Truth: Out loud, complete the following sentences:

• • “Right now, I feel…”
  • “I notice I’m thinking…”
  • “My body feels…”

For example, you might say, “Right now, I feel uncertain. I notice I’m thinking about my to-do list. My body feels tight in my shoulders.” Speaking your truth aloud helps bring awareness to the inner dialogue and sensations that often go unnoticed.

4. Sense — Tune Into Your Body: Close your eyes for a moment and take a few deep breaths. Bring your attention to different parts of your body, starting from your feet and moving upward. Notice any areas of tension, relaxation, warmth, or coolness. Ask yourself, “What is my body trying to tell me?”

5. Reflect: Open your eyes and look back into the mirror. Reflect on the experience. Did you discover any surprising thoughts, feelings, or sensations? What do these observations tell you about your current state of being? Take a few minutes to jot down your reflections. 

This exercise helps break the automatic patterns that often dictate behavior. By mindfully observing and verbalizing what’s happening within, you create a space of awareness, and you think outside the box, where change can occur.

When you gain awareness of your Primal Core, you unlock the freedom to redefine your leadership style. You begin to lead from a place of authenticity, resilience, and purpose. Embrace the opportunity to explore your inner landscape, and you’ll find that the limits you once perceived are merely the edges of your own awareness. With a deeper understanding of yourself, you can lead with vision, courage, and compassion, inspiring others to do the same.

Are you ready to enhance your awareness of your Primal Core? My Embodied Leadership Training will give you insight into this and four other key leadership skills. It will help you leverage your strengths and overcome obstacles as you grow and evolve into the leader you aspire to be. And be sure to subscribe to my newsletter! Once a month you’ll receive all the links to my recent Dream Big, Start Small exercises.