‘The New Reality’ is a mindset shift that asks you to redefine the context in which your problem exists. Most solutions fail because they try to work within a “broken” reality. By declaring the “Old Reality” obsolete and designing a new one with different rules, you can find breakthroughs that were previously considered impossible.
Engineering a Paradigm Shift
A paradigm shift happens when the fundamental way we see the world changes (like moving from an Earth-centered to a Sun-centered universe). This technique helps you engineer your own paradigm shift by questioning the “unshakeable truths” of your industry.
Define the 'Old Reality'
What are the laws and limitations that define your current situation?
Example: “Global warming is caused by industrial carbon emissions. We are limited by our current economic systems which rely on fossil fuels.”
Declare it Obsolete
Verbally or mentally state: “The reality where this problem is inevitable is no longer valid. I am creating a New Reality.”
Create 'The New Reality'
Describe an ideal world where the problem is irrelevant. Don’t worry about “how” yet.
- Principle 1: Energy is a universal, clean, and infinite resource that is freely accessible to all.
- Principle 2: Human consciousness is interconnected, making resource-based conflict impossible.
- Principle 3: Nature has a self-correcting mechanism that instantly absorbs all atmospheric carbon.
Backcast to the Present
What is the single most “reality-bending” action you could take TODAY to start this transition?
- Insight: If infinite clean energy is our goal, we must focus on revolutionary physics, not incremental solar panels.
- Action: Shift 90% of our R&D budget from “efficiency” to “breakthrough” energy sources, even if they have a 99% failure rate.
Practice
Problem: “Traffic congestion in big cities.” New Reality: “Physical travel is obsolete.” How does this change your approach to urban planning? What is a practical step toward this “teleportation” reality?