╰ Let their intelligence show in how they notice things
Smart people aren’t always the ones talking, they’re the ones observing the tiny detail that everyone else misses. They connect dots faster. They clock micro-expressions. They’re already ten moves ahead while everyone’s still arguing about step one.
╰ Don’t make them know everything
The smartest characters have gaps. A genius hacker who can’t do small talk. A professor who’s never seen Shrek. An expert in ancient languages who has zero street smarts. Give them blind spots, and suddenly they feel real—not robotic.
╰ Let their intelligence shape how they argue
A clever character doesn’t always win by yelling louder. Sometimes they cut deep with one sentence. Sometimes they bait someone into proving their point for them. Or smile while delivering verbal chess moves that leave everyone stunned two scenes later.
╰ Smart doesn’t mean wordy
Sometimes the smartest thing your character can say is nothing. Sometimes it’s “Huh.” Or one line that lands like a hammer. Intelligence isn’t just about complexity, it’s about clarity. Bonus points if they say the thing everyone else was dancing around.
╰ Show them solving problems, not just explaining them
Whether it’s picking a lock or defusing a political standoff, let them act. Watching them think on their feet, adapt, and surprise people is way more compelling than giving them long-winded monologues about the history of poison.
╰ Let them struggle with being misunderstood
A smart character might say something that’s totally logical but lands like a slap. Or they assume people see the obvious when they don’t. Intelligence can be isolating. That tension makes them human.
╰ Don’t make them the author’s mouthpiece
If your “smart” character exists to deliver the moral of the story, they’ll feel like a soapbox in a trench coat. Let them be flawed, biased, wrong sometimes. Let them learn. Otherwise, they stop being a character and start being an essay in disguise.
╰ Make their intelligence emotional, too
Book smart is one thing. Emotional intelligence hits differently. Maybe they’re intuitive. Maybe they know how to read a room. Maybe they see through someone’s bravado in five seconds flat. Brains plus empathy? Lethal combo.
╰ Smart doesn’t mean nice
Intelligence can be cruel. Calculated. Detached. Don’t be afraid to let your clever character weaponize their smarts if that’s who they are. Sometimes the coldest characters are the ones who know exactly how to hurt you—and choose not to. Or do.
I'm waiting till it's dark outside, my motivations is like a vampire 🍷
1. Introduction
In the world of innovation, the phrase "think outside the box" has become a popular mantra. While it encourages creativity and unconventional thinking, merely stepping outside the boundaries set by others isn’t always enough. To truly innovate, you need to create your own box—a unique framework shaped by your personal experiences, insights, and perspectives. This blog post will explore the limitations of conventional thinking, the benefits of creating your own box, and how you can build a custom framework to drive innovation and creativity in your life and work.
2. Breaking the Mold: Why Conventional Thinking Falls Short
The concept of "the box" represents conventional wisdom and established norms. While these guidelines provide a foundation, they can also constrain our thinking. History is replete with examples of how conventional thinking has held back progress. For instance, the belief that the Earth was flat prevented early explorers from venturing too far from shore. Similarly, in business, sticking rigidly to traditional methods can stifle innovation. To break free from these constraints, we need to challenge and redefine these boundaries.
3. Crafting Your Own Box: A New Approach to Innovation
Creating your own box means developing a personalized framework for thinking and problem-solving. This unique box is shaped by your experiences, knowledge, and perspectives, allowing you to approach challenges in novel ways. The process involves questioning established norms, seeking new viewpoints, and integrating diverse ideas. By doing so, you can unlock creative solutions that are uniquely suited to your circumstances.
4. Trailblazers: Innovators Who Defined Their Own Boundaries
Several renowned innovators have exemplified the concept of creating their own box. Take Elon Musk, for example. Musk's ventures—ranging from SpaceX to Tesla—are products of his willingness to defy conventional wisdom. Similarly, Steve Jobs revolutionized the tech industry by embracing a design-centric approach at Apple, moving away from the standard engineering-focused mindset. Marie Curie's groundbreaking work in radioactivity is another testament to the power of unique thinking. These individuals show that by creating their own box, they were able to achieve extraordinary success.
5. From Concept to Reality: Building and Refining Your Box
Step 1: Identifying Limitations in Current Thinking To start creating your own box, you need to recognize the limitations in existing frameworks. This involves critically assessing the norms and questioning their relevance and effectiveness.
Step 2: Exploring New Perspectives and Ideas Seek out diverse viewpoints and be open to unconventional ideas. This could involve engaging with different cultures, industries, or disciplines to gain a broader perspective.
Step 3: Building a Unique Framework for Problem-Solving Based on the insights gained, develop a custom approach to problem-solving. This framework should be flexible, adaptable, and reflective of your unique insights and experiences.
Step 4: Testing and Refining Your New Box Implement your new approach in real-world scenarios, assess its effectiveness, and refine it based on feedback and results. This iterative process ensures that your framework remains relevant and effective.
6. Think Like a Maverick: Tools for Creative Problem-Solving
Innovation requires the right tools and techniques. Here are some methods to help you create your own box:
Brainstorming Techniques
Mind Mapping: Visualize ideas and their connections to uncover new relationships.
SCAMPER: Use this technique to spark creativity by prompting questions about your ideas (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Rearrange).
Creative Exercises Engage in activities that push you out of your comfort zone, like improvisational theatre, to break free from conventional thinking patterns.
Collaboration and Diverse Input Work with individuals from different backgrounds and disciplines. Their unique perspectives can inspire fresh ideas and approaches.
7. Defying Doubt: Overcoming Challenges in Your Innovative Journey
Creating your own box isn’t without challenges. You may face skepticism, resistance, or self-doubt. Here are some strategies to overcome these obstacles:
Embrace Failure: View setbacks as learning opportunities and stay resilient.
Seek Support: Surround yourself with a supportive network that encourages innovative thinking.
Stay Confident: Believe in your unique approach and remain persistent in the face of adversity.
8. Conclusion
In conclusion, while thinking outside the box encourages creativity, it’s not enough to drive true innovation. By creating your own box, you develop a personalized framework that leverages your unique insights and experiences. This approach not only fosters innovative thinking but also empowers you to tackle challenges in novel ways. Embrace the journey of building your own box, and unlock your full creative potential.
Call to Action: We'd love to hear your thoughts! Have you created your own box? Share your experiences or frameworks in the comments section below or join the conversation on social media using #CreateYourBox.
Source: Don't Just Think Outside the Box, Create Your Own Box
reblog if you’re okay with people writing fanfics of your fanfics and/or fanfics inspired by your fanfics
soup
Yeah I really liked soup as a child
Hey guys be cool and normal but reblog this with the homemade meal that would get you the most hyped as a child. I need it for reasons.
I'm in fact very new to tumblr and just found out about this whole BOOp thingy. It actually got me curious because everyone was talking about it and when I understood, it made me smile so much for a thirsday morning :3
Who does that??
Plan and plot are not even part of my vocabulary dear-
“how do you plot / plan your book?” very bold of you to assume i do that.
Dialogue prompts are my favourite kind. So little context, so much creative space to have fun with. So here is a my masterpost full of dialogue prompts.
Flirting Prompts - Oblivious and flirty
Teasing Prompts
More Teasing Prompts
Romance Dialogue - Bubbly + Reserved
Dramatic/Break-up Dialogue Prompts
More Break-up Dialogue Prompts
One-sided affections dialogue
Unwanted Attention Prompts
Unrequited Love Prompts
Push and pull romantic prompts
Jealousy Prompts
heartbreaking.
First Kiss Prompts
Things said during sex Prompts
Awkward Post-Sex Dialogue
Smutty Dialogue (Masterpost)
One-Liners Dialogue - Romantic, Smutty + Physical (Masterpost)
Romance Dialogue Prompts – Uncomfortable with affection
Grumpy Affectionate Dialogue
Grumpy + Sunshine Dialogue
Inexperienced with romance Prompts
Love Confessions (Masterpost)
Romantic Date Dialogue Prompts
Asking out on a date
Anniversary Dinner Dialogue
Secret Relationship Dialogue
How to write Enemies to Lovers + Dialogue Prompts
Oblivious Enemies to Lovers Prompts
Enemies to Lovers: Apocalypse AU
Exes to lovers dialogue
Friends to lovers Dialogue
Best friends to lovers Dialogue
Childhood friends to enemies to lovers Dialogue
Enemies to friends with benefits Prompts
Enemies to friends Prompts
Fluffy Dialogue Prompts Part I
Fluffy Dialogue Prompts Part II
Fluffy Sentence Starters
One Hundred Compliments
Shy Compliments
Hidden Pregnancy Dialogue
Sleepy Starters
Cooking/Baking Dialogue Prompts
Silly Drunk Dialogue
Bar Conversation Starters
Rekindling Friendship Dialogue
Not Wanting to Rekindle Friendship Dialogue
Reconnecting Friends Prompts
Hero x Villain - Snarky Dialogue
Hero + Villain Dialogue
Angst Villain Dialogue
Supervillain Roommates
Life & Death Prompts + Dialogue
Demons Dialogue
Angel/Demon Dialogue
Angel/Human Dialogue
Human/Ghost Dialogue Prompts
Assassins Banter Dialogue
Showing aliens the human world
FBI mentor and mentee prompts
Heist Prompts
Hurt/Comfort Dialogue Prompts
Angsty Dialogue (Masterpost)
Bodyguard Dialogue Prompts
Patient and Doctor Prompts
Neighbors to Lovers Dialogue
Coffee Shop Prompts
Matchmaking at Work Prompts
Royalty Dialogue
Princess x Loyal Companion
Prince/ss x Commoner
Princess x Guard
Arranged Marriage Dialogue
Royal Arranged Marriage Dialogue Prompts
Royalty Forced Married to Actual Lovers Prompts
Royal x Royal Ball Dancing
Grad Students Prompts
High School Popular Kid + Outcast Dialogue
Dialogue Responses Masterlist
Drabble Prompts Masterlist
Three Word Sentences
Four Word Sentences
Five Word Sentences
Six Word Sentences
short & impactful
powerful.
"I can't…"
Reactions to… (Masterpost)
Asking for permission
Random Questions Prompts
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city boy Nightwing art by Jamal Campbell
A monster forcefully switches places with you. You become a horrible creature, and the monster assumes your form. Unfortunately for the monster, your life absolutely sucks—and you have no intention of swapping back.
They/them | I'm just a wanna be author and binge every korean/chinese novel I can :D
38 posts