I’m thinking about some possible exercises for cultivating a more designerly soul.

• When asking questions throughout the day, notice whether the question was open- or close-ended.
• Try to ask as many open-ended questions as possible.
• Try to get someone to teach you a novel way of understanding something.
• Test a belief about someone else by asking them to explain to you why they think or feel something, and notice where you were wrong about them.
• See if you can entertain and feel the persuasive force of something you haven’t fully entertained before.
• Notice when you agree or disagree with something you hear or read or see, and observe closely and fully what it feels like.
• Notice when you are feeling anxious or perplexed and observe closely and fully what it feels like.
• Try to catch yourself before you argue for or against some idea and see if instead you can offer your thinking as an alternative approach to the question at hand…
  …and then see if you can entertain each alternative way of thinking and compare them…
  …and compare them in terms of advantages and trade-offs (in understanding, effectiveness and spiritual tone) instead of in terms of true and false.
• See if you can learn something new about someone just by observing them or their environment or something they are using.
• See if you can notice where something was designed so well you might not have noticed it if you weren’t looking for it.
• Look for an opportunity to reconcile with someone, and observe closely and fully what it feels like.
• Look for when you feel envy, and respond by complimenting the other, and sharing your envy with them…
  …and observe closely and fully what it feels like to give a deep, heartfelt and reluctant compliment.
• Give credit; acknowledge contributions and influence as much as you can.
• If you love people, try telling them so.