Where Are My Third Door People At?

It’s not a matter of if, but when. None of us will make it through life without challenges. In the last month, people have faced hardship and struggle that, for many, may eclipse anything they have ever experienced. This inspired me to share my perspective on an approach I use to embrace challenges for when - not if - they come knocking.

Enter the Third Door. This concept was first described by Alex Banyan in his book: The Third Door: The Wild Quest to Uncover How the World's Most Successful People Launched Their Careers. Based on hundreds of interviews with wildly successful people -- from Maya Angelou to Bill Gates to Lady Gaga and Stephen Spielberg -- Banyan alleges that many people turn to Doors 1 and 2: the more obvious paths to answering a question, addressing a challenge, solving a problem. But some of the most innovative leaders of our time prove there’s another way.

Excerpt:

There's the 'First Door:' the main entrance, where the line curves around the block. That's where 99% of people wait around, hoping to get in.

There's the 'Second Door:' the VIP entrance, where the billionaires and celebrities slip through.

But what no one tells you is that there is always, always, the 'Third Door.' It's the entrance where you jump out of line, run down the alley, bang on the door a hundred times, crack open the window, or sneak through the kitchen — but you find a way in.

The Third Door is the creative entry that many people don’t think of, or bother with. I was introduced to the concept by a coworker who read the book and told me excitedly that they now have the words to describe that “no-holds-barred”, “there’s always a solution if we look hard enough” approach I demonstrate on the daily. 

I initially laughed upon hearing this. But in reflecting on challenges I have faced in my past, I do relate to Third Door thinking. Ever since I was young, I’ve sought out creative solutions to life’s challenges.

Most recently, when seeking Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding, we applied on April 3, the first day the loan application system opened. I waited my turn for 10 days. Then, with not a peep from the bank, I began to worry that the funding would run out and took matters into my own hands. I did quick research only to learn that big banks (Bank of America for us) had completely whiffed on getting their clients funded. Upon learning this, I swiftly got in touch with a new bank and asked if they were accepting new customers. Even though we were told banks weren’t taking new customers for PPP loans, this turned out not to be the case. Had I not asked, I would have never known. We were so fortunate that our funding with the new bank came in within hours of all the funding being claimed.

Third Door thinking has its advantages… and disadvantages. Some may view it as pushy or opportunistic. That said, it’s who I am and the older I get the more I see the value in this approach and how it has served me very well. I choose to view it as more “ninja problem solver” than “master manipulator” (and there is a difference!).

Can Third Door thinking be taught?. If you’re looking for the Third Door, I invite you to consider some behavioral shifts to problem solving:

Be Your Own Advocate

The buck stops with you. Be your own researcher, healer, therapist. Whether looking for a job, finding the right lender, seeking a promotion in your career… you are the architect of your life. With Google riding shotgun! There is so much data available to us right at our fingertips if we are willing to roll up our sleeves and get creative in our research.

Stay Curious

Don’t be afraid to ask. What’s the status? Did I submit everything correctly? Is there something you still need to move this forward? What’s the blind spot? Do I know what I don’t know? I’ve never been afraid to ask for some more color around a situation. You never know when you may have missed a turn and if you don’t ask, you won’t know.

Adopt a Bias for Action

Don’t wait. Push through your fears to make the ask, place the call, send the email. Even if that step isn’t the last one on the journey, at least you’ve gone somewhere. After all, you can’t drive a parked car.

So whatever you are facing today. Step back and ask yourself, “Have I looked at this from every angle?”. I guarantee there is something behind door number three that you may not have considered. 

When have you employed Third Door thinking? How did it feel? Does it come naturally? Did you uncover solutions that were not obvious on the surface? I’ll admit the approach may be uncomfortable at times. But, from experience, I can say it is worth it. It also makes for kaleidoscopic, colorful thinking versus black and white. If we have learned anything in the last month, it is that in a pandemic the suffering is universal. While the struggle is relative, no one is immune to the effects. Third Door people know that there is always a way out. If you look hard enough (and around ALL the corners!).