Dec
22
Written by:
Bruce Rosenbaum
12/22/2008
What is Janusian Thinking? Some of the best inventors, creators and inventions have brought two opposites together to create something new, unique and useful.
In 1979, Dr. Albert Rothenberg, a noted researcher on the creative process, coined the term "Janusian Thinking" for the Roman god Janus, who had two faces that looked in opposite directions. Dr. Rothenberg saw elements of Janusian Thinking in the works of Einstein, Picasso and Mozart. Also -- if you look at everyday objects like the pencil, jacknife and hammer. These amazing inventions hold opposites within their own existence (pencil = writes and erases, jacknife = cuts and does not cut, hammer = bangs in nails and removes nails).
The way to use Janusian Thinking is to ask "What is the opposite of this?" and then try to imagine both opposites existing at the same time and in the same space.
I'm now trying to apply Janusian Thinking to selling (and not selling...:) our Victorian Italianate home in North Attleboro MA. Realistically, the market is so tough right now -- that finding a normal buyer who will pay $1,295,000 for the home to live in is an immense challenge. How can we sell and not sell our residential home at the same time?
The creative solution is finding an alternate use for the home and market the idea to a specific target audience that would be interested in purchasing the home to possibly live in and for business or a money making venture.
There are some limitations to what the home can become and have thought of and have put aside the following ideas: Bed & Breakfast (or a Victorian Inn), Corporate Meeting Center or Wedding Hall. The home is in a residential neighborhood and would have to be rezoned for these type of uses. Also -- there would have to be substantial modifications (bathrooms, room additions, fire code equipment, etc) to the home and land (addition of parking) to make it a legal business use for these purposes.
What else can the home become? That's where I need your help. Please think of some creative alternate use ideas for the home and email me your thoughts. I look forward to your Janusian Thinking! Thanks, Bruce
2 comment(s) so far...
Re: Week 29 -- Let's Get Janusian with our Creative Thinking!
Bruce, really interesting post on Janusian thinking! It seems your business itself is a Janusian concept: restoring and modernizing.
Another Janusian thought: What's the opposite of an unsold home? A sold home! Why not cultivate the "knowledge" that the house is sold? In other words, how would you feel if it were sold? Among other things, you might feel peace, relief, and contentment. On the inside, you and your wife can cultivate these feelings. Meanwhile, on the outside, continue to do what you would do to sell the home, such as the fabulous Open House.
Just a thought. Best wishes to you!
By A friend on
4/16/2009
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Re: Week 29 -- Let's Get Janusian with our Creative Thinking!
Everyday I say... it's going to be a great day! Hopefully soon my inside will match the outside. Thanks for your kind works and encouragement. Take care, Bruce
By Bruce Rosenbaum on
4/16/2009
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