Book excerpts - Intro to Ch3: Accelerating meaningful transformations

Transformations require thinking differently about what we do, how we do it, and who does it. When we stick to our current patterns, we risk getting stuck - if our flow is compromised.

Without thinking differently, Reasons and reasoning become arbitrary. But thinking differently doesn't have to be problematic. With a bit of practice, everyone can do it. Simply by reversing from action-based thinking to achievement-based thinking and sketching what needs to be done instead of sketching what to do.

To transform faster than the pace of change, we must attend to innovations more mindfully and critically. Being or feeling stuck is an invitation to seek lacunas. And using Things To Be Done, that task of identifying what's stopping us, or what we don't know we don't know, can become a collaborative and communicative activity instead of an isolating and frustrating condition.

When sketches, assumptions, and intuitions are structured into high-impact graph thinking, grappling with complications, identifying lacunas, and observing blindspots become less intimidating and dramatic. And we can change the equations economy from loss to profit more quickly. And with the help of the three thinking tools, the Things To Be Done approach allows us to release the grip of awareness on consciousness and extend our mindfulness.