Goals Without Limits: Blue Sky vs. Airplane Window Thinking
A conventional way of approaching goal-setting and achievement can include something called "Blue Sky Thinking," or imagining what it would be like if there were no obstacles to achieving your goals. Very much taking the phrase "the sky's the limit" into practice.
While this type of thinking can kickstart a movement from idealization to action regarding our goals, I'd like to propose an adapted version of this for neurodivergent brains. I'll call it "Airplane Window Thinking" instead.
Picture this: As a neurodivergent brain, a deep understanding of our triggers and limits is necessary so we don't end up in a place of constant burnout. It can be especially difficult when we are presented with a grand idea but no real understanding of how to bring it to life. It can overwhelm us, make us nervous, and introduce things like imposter syndrome, anxiety, and procrastination, either by avoidance or another reason. It's like we've realized we are high up in the sky, falling without a parachute. Scary, right?
Blue sky thinking puts us up in the air with "no limits," and while that's cool for lots of folks, it feels outright terrifying for others. I like to have clarity, understanding, instructions, resources, and information to help me get up into the air safely and with a plan.
This is why "Airplane Window Thinking" makes more sense for neurodivergents.
We require so much more preparation before we can start thinking really broadly about our goals and dreams. Research and hyperfocus rabbit holes come to mind here. Talking to people who have been there and have lived experiences to share with us. This is us doing all the necessary work to "get on a plane" with its safety, procedures, rules, knowledge, and more already set up for us to arrive at "Blue Sky Thinking" in an environment we feel secure in.
Before we board a plane, we need a ticket. We can imagine the ticket as the permission we give ourselves to dream and think big. Once we have our ticket, we must go through security. Security can be seen as the checks we have with others around us who have pursued a similar path. We can gain reassurance and understanding that we have what it takes to move forward on our flight toward our goal. The airplane is a secure and comfortable place to experience our "blue sky thinking" without fearing something going wrong. In our minds, the airplane is the environment we create where our goals/dreams come to life. This may include our schedules, intentions, and boundaries we've set to make sure we are giving our goals the attention they deserve. The pilot would be a guide or mentor who objectively keeps us on track with accountability, helping you arrive at your destination.
The sky is the limit but must be reached on our terms. I want to have a clear itinerary, an oxygen mask handy, and the right support in place so I have the highest probability of reaching my goals.
What do you think?
