This document provides advice on thinking outside the box and non-traditional methods for building a good life, career, and education. It discusses limiting beliefs and toxic people that can keep one trapped in boxes, and offers keys to getting out of boxes by knowing oneself through Islamic principles. Non-traditional options presented include contractor work, entrepreneurship, online learning, and international experiences. Resources like books and websites are provided to support non-traditional paths. The conclusion wishes the reader prosperity.

1. Build a real life This is your life are you who you want to be?

2. Dua Yal-Allah, I seek refuge in you from Satan the accursed and the helpers, supporters, and allies of Satan the accursed. Yal-Allah, I seek refuge in you from the evil of my own soul, my own ignorance, and my ego. Anything good mentioned here is from you and all wrong mentioned here is from me. I ask your forgiveness and the forgiveness of those I present this to. Amen

3. AL- Falaq Say, In (or with) the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful, "I seek refuge in the Lord of The Daybreak"From the evil of what He has createdAnd From the evil of darkness when it overspreadsAnd from the evil of malignant witchcraftAnd From the evil of the envious when he envies.

5. “It’s never been done before or never done that way so I’m not going to try to do it.”

6. “I don’t have what it takes or my family believes I don’t have what it takes.”

7. “I don’t have the time, financial resources, or familial support.”

8. “I am afraid or I am afraid I’m going to fail.”

9. “ Its incompatible with Islam or I can’t wear hijab.”

11. Pretender Peter: Peter smiles in your face but rages at you in his heart. He has two faces for a reason.

12. Bubbly Bob: Bob is always happy even when he is being cheated, disrespected, robbed, or stabbed. He’s just happy.

13. Depressed Dorthea: When ever you ask Dorthea how she is doing or you ask for her advice her response is always sad, tragic, traumatic, shocking, and negative.

15. The necessity of thinking outside the box “Nothing endures but change.”- Heraclitus from Diogenes Laertius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

17. Globalization- Africa, India, and China are at the forefront.

18. National demographic changes such as: immigration, aging workforce, and increase in youth ages 16-30.

19. Restructuring of the workforce: old ways of management, organization, and technology are being discarded to increase profits.

21. Keys to getting out of your boxes-1 Know who and whose you are: “They are on guidance from their Lord, and it is these who will succeed. Qur’an 2:2-5 “ By the soul, and the proportion and order given to it, and its inspiration as to its wrong and right-truly he succeeds who purifies it, and he fails who corrupts it.” Qur’an91:7-10 “ Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah-for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction-for those who believe and work righteousness is every blessedness(tubaa) and a beautiful place of final return.” Qur’an 13:28-29

22. Keys to getting out of your boxes-2 Remain convicted in the word of Allah s.w.t. “Allah will establish in strength those who believe with the word that stands firm, in this world and in the hereafter…” Qur’an 14:27 Say: in the Bounty of Allah, and in his Mercy-in that let them rejoice-that is better than what they hoard. Qur’an 10:58 “… Allah guides all who seek His good pleasure to ways of peace and safety…” Qur’an 5:16 “ And He has put love and affection between their hearts; not if you had spent all that is in the earth could you have produced that affection, but Allah has done it; for He is Exalted in might, wise.” Qur’an 6:63

25. Keys to getting out of your boxes-4 “Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.” -Albert Einstein Dr. Phil an American Talk show Psychologist is one of my favorite people in the world. He frequently tells people “ to get real with themselves about their life and everyone in it.” Let’s talk about what I believe to be myths. Feminist theory, like other theories are soft sciences. I’m not discounting the legitimate struggles and rewards of this movement. But I must speak the truth. Please keep in mind that traditional marriage and motherhood are time tested and societal approved methods of human organization. Think long and hard about what type of wife and mother you want to be. Think long and hard about what type of family life you desire when planning your future. Pay attention to the family life of the people around you who are advising you.

26. Keys to getting out of your boxes-5 Order is not pressure which is imposed on society from without, but an equilibrium which is set up from within. Jose Ortega Gasset Another myth specifically endemic to Western societies is the belief that in order for one to transition into adulthood one must experience the pathologies of the society such as pre-marital sex, drugs, alcohol, smoking. Meanwhile, the youth else where and in certain sub-groups of our society aren’t following the masses. I encourage you to read “ Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations” by Alex and Bret Harris.

27. Work Smarter Not Harder Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first. Mark Twain

28. Non-traditional methods of work Although I’m a big believer in thinking outside the box as my life experience has taught me that there is more than one way to do something I believe these non-traditional methods may work best for the following individuals: Those interested in earlier marriage and family life. Those interested in Islamic studies and missionary work. Those who will stay at home but want to develop themselves. Self directed, self disciplined, goal oriented, and organized. Energetic, positive, and passionate about your own life. Patient and fore-bearing. Parents who are unable or unwilling to pay for college. Those who don’t want to borrow money and wish to pay as you go along. Those unconcerned about fitting in or following the masses.

29. Non-traditional methods work If you don’t work you don’t eat- Marva Collins Award winning Educator, Author, Business woman Through my contractor work experience I’ve watched year after year how managers are able to ascertain internships or externships as well entry level jobs for their family members. These same family members are then tracked for lucrative leadership position via their network. Meanwhile, the masses of young people are caught in the “ you don’t have experience I can’t hire you”, when hiring them is the only way to get experience. This is especially true for ethnic minorities, religious minorities, and young mothers. There is more than one way to accomplish something and many are already doing it.

30. Non-traditional methods of work Contractor work, independent consulting work, free-lance work, and entrepreneurship are great ways to: master the art of business; increase socialization, build a credible work history; acquire the flexibility and freedom to focus on your deen; pay for your education as you go along; and build wealth prior to starting a family. Website Resources: Women and Money http://www.suzeorman.com/ http://www.wife.org/ http://www.cherylbroussard.com/

32. Free small business software applications http://www.expensefree.com/

35. The Business School for People Who Like Helping People by Robert T. Kiyosaki

36. How I Retired at 26! A Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing Your Freedom and Wealth by AshaTyson

37. Campus CEO: The Student Entrepreneur's Guide to Launching a Multi-Million Dollar Business by Randal Pinkett

38. Women on Top by Margaret Heffernan

39. Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers Alexander Osterwalder

40. Think Big: Unleashing Your Potential for Excellence by Ben Carson M.D

43. The overwhelming majority of the 4.6-million online students — over 82 percent — are undergraduates.

46. Non-traditional methods of learning Degree programs evaluated by students Online Degree Reviews http://www.onlinedegreereviews.org/ Distance Education Reviews http://www.distance-education.org/Reviews/ Two Private Online Colleges Walden University http://www.waldenu.edu/ President Clinton Encourages Walden Graduates to Use Their Education to Effect Positive Change http://www.waldenu.edu/News-and-Events/50173.htm American Public University http://www.apus.edu/

47. Just for women Book Resources This Is How We Do It: The Working Mothers' Manifesto by Carol Evans Mothers on the Fast Track: How a New Generation Can Balance Family and Careers by Mary Ann Mason Mama, PhD: Women Write About Motherhood and Academic Life by ElrenaEvans The Price of Motherhood: Why the Most Important Job in the World Is Still the Least Valued by Ann Crittenden Global Woman: Nannies, Maids, and Sex Workers in the New Economy by Barbara Ehrenreich Don't You Dare Get Married Until You Read This! The Book of Questions for Couples by Corey Donaldson Lies at the Altar: The Truth About Great Marriages by Robin L. Smith Boundaries in Dating: Making Dating Work by Henry Cloud For Women Only: What You Need to Know about the Inner Lives of Men by Shaunti Feldhahn Love Is Never Enough: How Couples Can Overcome Misunderstandings, Resolve Conflicts, and Solve Relationship Problems Through Cognitive Therapy by Aaron T. Beck

48. Conclusion May You thrive and prosper!-Ameen