Albert Einstein said that the problems we face cannot be solved at the level of thinking we were at when we created them. Most of us who hear that quote fail to grasp its significance. It’s not a simple declaration – rather it’s a challenge. It’s actually one of the most profound truths you will ever encounter.

I believe Einstein, one of the world’s most brilliant thinkers of all time, is challenging us to elevate our thinking.

When it comes to success, we only have two choices in life:

1. Maintain the status quo: Continue to face the same problems and challenges we always have. This is the path most people choose, because it’s easy. But a life full of problems and challenges isn’t very fulfilling, is it?

2. Elevate our thinking: Engage in continuous learning. Study creative problem-solving and brainstorming techniques. Seek out subject matter experts who have information or experience in the challenges you’re trying to solve. Google it. Read books related to your challenge. Expand your thinking and fill your mind with fresh stimuli. That, in turn, will help you to generate fresh solutions and ideas to power your success.

What stands in the way?

For most of us, what stands in the way of success it’s a little thing called inertia. Just as in physics, in which a body in motion tends to continue in the same direction unless acted upon by an outside force, we will tend to follow our habitual paths of thinking, which can’t lead us beyond where we are now. Too often, we don’t even realize we’re wearing blinders on our thinking. Our personal development stalls. We get frustrated.

These mind expanding techniques open us up to a whole world of possibilities that we never would have considered otherwise. These techniques can help us do a more accurate job of problem definition, serve as catalysts to generate new ideas and help us take productive action – and to grow our level of success.

It’s time to kick yourself in the ass

Your level of success is based upon your knowledge and your thinking processes to date. To be more, you must know and be able to do more. That requires more learning. That’s the essence of personal development.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to elevate your thinking. A world of opportunity is waiting for you!