Imagination is for grown ups
Tell me: how connected do you feel to your imagination?
I’ll be honest – for most of my adult life, I thought imagination was a luxury – a self-indulgent, ‘nice-to-have’ only available to rich kids with trust funds (ouch).
It wasn’t until I started learning about, practicing, and aligning my work and life to the four behaviors of innovation – Discover, Define, Imagine and Iterate – that I began to give myself permission to dream.
Now with children, imagination is a no-brainer; whether it’s playing dress up, sketching out new comic book ideas, or making up games on the playground, we know kids are all about imagination.
But what does imagination look like for an adult? And how can you tap into your imagination to support your career and life goals? Let’s talk about it.
Recently a former client and I were catching up and she remarked that the work culture at her new job makes her feel compelled to work late and be available all the time for her leadership.
She knows she doesn't want to work that way. In fact, she wants to role model what a more balanced, healthy approach to work could look like. But she feels stuck around actually creating that.
“What would it look like to design your own schedule,” I asked?
That’s engaging her imagination.
Another client was interested in exploring jobs in conservation – dreaming of doing work outdoors with her hands. But she felt it was a risk given that the only work she really knows (and has gotten paid for) involves sitting at a desk behind a computer.
“How might working outside and helping the environment move you closer to your dreams,” I asked?
That’s engaging her imagination.
Final example: Me.
I have been dreaming about running a women’s retreat for a very long time. I picture beautiful surroundings, thoughtful gatherings, deep conversations, and nourishing activities. I can see it in my mind, and know it’s something I deeply desire to create.
“How might I begin to make this creative aspiration real,” I asked?
That’s engaging MY imagination!
The important part to remember about our imagination is that it’s not just about sitting around and day dreaming. It’s about action.
My former client took a look at her priority list and outlined a first draft of a new weekly schedule.
My other client volunteered with a local conservation group to experience her dream in real time.
And me? I went on a retreat.
That’s right – to cultivate my imagination and lean into my dream, I got on a plane to Spain and joined my very first yoga retreat.
In essence, I put myself into the exact situation I hope to one day create. And let me tell you: coming back to Virginia after a week of rest and reflection? My imagination muscles have never been stronger.
In fact, my tip today is this: put yourself in the rooms, spaces and experiences that will light up your imagination.
There is simply no faster way, no more resonant way, to switch on your creative energy and activate your imagination.
Drive through the neighborhood with the houses you love.
Stroll through the bookstore dreaming of the book you want to write.
Get tickets for that live concert and imagine yourself on stage.
Go to the conference.
Try out that experience.
Get on that plane.
Turn on the faucet of your imagination and watch the creative floodgates fly wide open.
What will you do today to nurture your imagination? I’d love to hear from you.
Onward,
PS: Ready to take your imagination to the next level? Volume 3 of my guided journal collection focuses specifically on the behaviors – and mindsets – of imagination. Order yours today!