In today’s rapidly evolving, hyperconnected world, thinking outside the box has shifted from being a luxury to a necessity. At SXSW Sydney, Rohit Bhargava, the founder of The Non-Obvious Company and a bestselling author, delivered a thought-provoking session on the power of “non-obvious” thinking. He revealed how anyone can unlock the potential to see the world differently and stay ahead of emerging trends by challenging conventional thinking and adopting a unique perspective.
Bhargava’s message was simple but powerful: the key to anticipating the future and driving innovation lies not in following predictable paths but in questioning assumptions and looking beyond the surface.
He shared his personal journey from aspiring playwright to trend curator, recounting a pivotal experience that shaped his understanding of human behavior. As a young man, Bhargava had confided in his father about his desire to become a playwright. Instead, he was sent to an engineering camp, where he quickly realized he had little to contribute in that field. Isolated from his group, Bhargava ultimately won an award for bringing people together—a defining moment that taught him a crucial lesson: “The people who understand people always win.” This experience helped him realize that true power lies in seeing what others don’t and creating human connections that others overlook.
At the core of Bhargava’s message is the idea that non-obvious thinkers succeed by refusing to accept things at face value. “The challenge is that we’re unable to imagine something different, to think bigger, to be open-minded,” he explained. In a world overwhelmed by distractions, he emphasized the importance of stepping back to create space for new ideas, as it is in this space that true innovation begins.
Four Secrets of Non-Obvious Thinking
Bhargava outlined four transformative strategies that can help anyone break free from conventional thought patterns and unlock future possibilities. These strategies serve as practical tools for challenging assumptions and cultivating a mindset that fosters creativity and innovation.
1. Create Space for New Ideas
One of Bhargava’s key insights is the importance of both mental and physical space in fostering new ideas. In today’s fast-paced world, where we are constantly bombarded by distractions, it’s easy to fall into routine and overlook creative opportunities. Bhargava urged the audience to create what he called “oasis moments”—intentional breaks from the noise of daily life that allow for reflection and the free flow of creativity.
“If you don’t have space, if you’re still crowded up with everything that’s going on, it’s really hard to find that way,” Bhargava explained. These oasis moments are critical for giving the brain time to rest and reset, making room for fresh perspectives and breakthroughs. In short, without making space for new ideas, innovation becomes much harder to achieve.
2. Try New Rituals
To shake up ingrained thinking patterns, Bhargava encouraged the audience to introduce new rituals into their daily lives. These small but deliberate actions serve as signals to the mind that it’s time to think differently. For example, Bhargava shared the story of a renowned chef who ate a new fruit every morning for a month as a way to challenge his palate and perspective.
Bhargava stressed that it doesn’t take monumental changes to make a difference. “It sends a message to yourself that today isn’t going to be like yesterday,” he said. By adopting small new rituals, people can stimulate their brains to think in new ways, opening the door to creative problem-solving.
3. Reimagine Superstitions
Superstitions, whether personal or cultural, often shape our behavior in ways we don’t fully understand. Bhargava urged the audience to reexamine these ingrained beliefs, citing the example of buildings that omit the 13th floor due to superstitious fears. “If you think about it, the 14th floor is the 13th floor—it just doesn’t say 13 on the button,” Bhargava noted, highlighting the arbitrary nature of these conventions.
The point isn’t simply to reject tradition for the sake of it, but to critically evaluate whether certain beliefs or habits are still serving us. By challenging and reimagining these “superstitions,” individuals and businesses can break free from unnecessary limitations and embrace more rational, innovative approaches.
4. Define a Twist to Win the Future
The final secret Bhargava shared is about finding a “twist”—an unexpected solution that sets you apart. Non-obvious thinkers excel at identifying unconventional approaches to problems, allowing them to stand out in a competitive marketplace. Bhargava provided a compelling example of a Dutch electric bike company that faced frequent shipping damage to its products. The company cleverly solved the problem by drawing a picture of a TV on the packaging, leading delivery workers to handle the boxes more carefully.
“That was the twist, that was the workaround,” Bhargava explained. This kind of thinking—finding a creative, unexpected solution—helps businesses and individuals stay ahead of the curve by reimagining challenges and opportunities in novel ways.
Embracing the Non-Obvious Mindset
At its core, Bhargava’s approach to non-obvious thinking is about empowering people to break free from rigid, conventional patterns of thought. He challenged the audience to ask themselves what prevents them from seeing the world differently and to take intentional steps toward cultivating a more open, curious mindset. “If we know that human connection makes a difference, why don’t we do it?” he asked. The answer, Bhargava believes, lies in our collective inability to imagine something beyond the obvious.
In a world filled with uncertainty and constant change, the ability to think non-obviously provides a significant competitive advantage. Bhargava encouraged everyone to adopt the mindset of a futurist—not necessarily to predict the future but to remain open to new ways of interpreting the present. “If we can’t reimagine the future, if we can’t create space for non-obvious thinking, we’re going to struggle to solve the challenges that exist in the world. But if we can, I believe we can not only make our own lives better, but we can make the future better.”
Conclusion: The Power of Non-Obvious Thinking
Ultimately, non-obvious thinking is about more than just spotting trends; it’s about reshaping the way we approach the world. By creating space for new ideas, embracing fresh rituals, questioning inherited beliefs, and finding unexpected twists, anyone can break through the noise of daily life and make meaningful connections that drive innovation.
In a landscape marked by rapid change, those who adopt the mindset of a non-obvious thinker will be better equipped to navigate the future, challenge the status quo, and uncover the hidden opportunities that lead to success. As Rohit Bhargava demonstrated at SXSW Sydney, the ability to see beyond the obvious isn’t just a skill—it’s a superpower.
