### 3.4.3 DON'T PERTURB THE SYSTEM

Periodically inspect your ideas to see if they are contributing to your thinking effectiveness. Ask yourself, "Why did this program, project, concept, or idea come to be?" And then follow this question with, "Do these reasons still exists?" If the answer is "no", eliminate the idea.

Avoid falling in love with ideas. I got this advice several years ago from my printer. He said, "Don't fall in love with a particular type style, because if you do, you'll want to use it everywhere - even in places where it's inappropriate." I think that the same applies to ideas. I've seen people fall in love with a certain approach or system, and then be unable to see the merits of alternative approaches. I think one of life's great thrills is failing out of love with a previously cherished idea. When that happens, you're free to look for new ones.

Have rule-inspecting and rule-discarding sessions within your organization. You may even find some motivational side benefits in this activity - finding and eliminating outmoded rules can be a lot of fun.