Some people are born with the ability to “think outside the box” or with non-linear thinking. There are some people who, while not born with this type of thinking, can practice and learn it. Yet there are still others who will always see things one way.
In The Survivors Club
One of the ways this type of thinking can be applied is by looking at an object, understanding its designed use, but seeing other possible uses as well.
I work from home now, but when I went to an office to work, I made note of where the fire extinguishers were. I’m sure this is something many preparedness minded people do. But when I look at a fire extinguisher, I see not only an implement that could put out a fire, I see a blunt, impromptu weapon. I also see something that could be used to break glass, could be sprayed to give concealment if needed or, if used in a certain way, could be turned into a missile of sorts.
You see, in many survival situations, be they plane crash, hurricane or any number of other types of events, resources are usually low and random. You have to think outside the box and make due on the fly. A seatbelt that was cut loose could become a restraint or even a tourniquet if needed. It could also be used as cordage to tether just about anything.
I have read dozens of stories about people who were stranded in their vehicle in poor weather. Sometimes they are found dead, succumbed to the elements. Last year I read about a man in Alaska who got lost and was found two or three days later, barely alive. If memory serves, he said he stayed alive by huddling in his jacket. If this were me, I would have left the house much better prepared to begin with. In his shoes, I would have cut the fabric of the seat and used it as a blanket, the carpets could have been cut and placed over the windows to help trap some of the heat in. The tires could have been burned during the day, giving off a thick black smoke that would have been easy to see far away.
Being able to look at something and see its other possible uses is something most people can relearn to do. Many of us did it in our childhood. My brother and I used to turn the picnic table and benches into our own fishing boat and pretend to go fishing. Now that took imagination and pretending, but those can be a part of what I am talking about. Not actually acting the scenario out, but running them through your mind. Or looking at an object and thinking of ten or twenty different uses for it.
Here are just a couple examples of what I mean. You can add your answers to the comments if you wish, but at least think them through. I’ll add my list in the comments for those who want to see.
– You happen upon a multicar accident that has just happened; police and ambulance are not on scene. How many ways can you give assistance?
– Name ten different uses for a standard car tire.
