Remember when you were a kid and could turn any boring day, any old forgotten object, and any empty backyard into an exciting adventure? You were creative, you were imaginative, and you were resourceful. But for many, having an imagination dies somewhere along the way because they are expected to conform, and they adopt fear more than confidence. The good news is that your imagination doesn’t have to die just because you get older. Your imagination is actually more useful in your current circumstances than you probably think. It will better your ideas, will help you become a leader in your area of expertise, and will give you better results with your work.
So, now that I’ve sold you on the idea of broadening your imagination, here are three ways to find your imagination once again:
Read fiction work instead of always reading serious work.
When I read fiction work or watch movies I often wonder how the writers even came up with the ideas that are playing out before me. The answer is that they haven’t lost their imaginations. When you consume fiction, make sure not to only digest it, but be inspired by others who decided to push the boundaries. Thinking outside the realm of your current reality gives a deeper glimpse into all possibilities.
Go back to the last moment you had a good imagination and do what you were doing then.
Many times, this idea corresponds with one’s passion. Many musicians who stop playing music will return to writing or playing music in order to spark more creativity and imagination in their lives. Whether it be a new pattern or new arrangement, music has endless possibilities, and so do many other things in life. It may be time to pull out the guitar that has been collecting dust, or the paintbrushes and canvas you stuck in the corner long ago. If you used to do your best work late at night and your work now suffers due to becoming an early bird because you had to, it may be time to switch back. Yes, I promote waking up early if possible, but fitting in the time to work is the reason why I do this. If you produce your best work at night, then by all means, work late. It doesn’t matter when you do great work — just do it.
Leave space in your day to think.
Creativity and imagination lack for most because time is scarce for most. Imagination can’t take flight when your schedule is jam-packed. This being said, if you work in an office, you can apply this idea by working offsite whenever possible, turning your longer meetings into speed meetings to only focus on what is important, or by taking a day off each week to recharge and think. Margin creates room to imagine.
Creativity and imagination lack for most because time is scarce for most. Share on X
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