Why imagination matters, at any age.
Think of a project or a hobby you’ve always wanted to do but felt uncertain whether you should proceed. Chances are you’ve been hesitant because you worry you might suck at it, or worse yet, you might end up failing big at it. I won’t suggest we take “massive action” at this juncture, but in this article let’s explore a few steps we can take to tap into the power of imagination to help us along.
As humans, we are predisposed with the ability to imagine. We can use this crucial ability coupled with the knowledge that we have acquired to predict an outcome.
For instance, ‘If I exercise twenty minutes four times a week for a month, I imagine I’d look good, and perhaps even sleep better.’
Our ability to imagine also can facilitate a change in emotion and mood. If you are home on a rainy day (and you dread it), you can imagine being out in the park with friends just by closing your eyes and visualizing this new outcome. And if your imagination is vivid enough it will alter your mood. You’ll begin to experience an elevated level of good emotions like joy and fun. All rooted in our ability to imagine.
Notice how children especially are predisposed to the ability to imagine and they use it very well in play. So why do adults not use this skill much?
Health psychologist Shilagh Mirgain, encourages play for adults as an outlet for creativity and de-stress.
“In play we find the freedom to color outside the lines of our life. There is a learning that comes from this unstructured time. It allows us to tap into our imagination, try different things and not be afraid to fail along the way.”
Here are three simple ideas you can take today to tap into the power of your imagination and in exploring possible passions.
Visualizing Success: Imagine yourselves succeeding at a new hobby or project. Just take time out to do some well deserve ‘day dreaming.’ According to Psychology Today, many people deliberately use mental imagery to visualize desired outcomes. By picturing ourselves mastering a new skill or completing a challenging project, we can build the confidence needed to get started.
Questioning with Curiosity: Ask yourself the “why” and “what” of your interest. Remain curious about your own interest. As noted by a Psychology Today article, curiosity is a strong catalyst for questioning, and questioning is what propels us to seek out the unfamiliar and the unknown. By staying curious and open-minded, we can discover new hobbies and projects that excites us.
Reframing Uncertainty with Reflection: Starting a new project or hobby can be intimidating, especially if it’s something we’ve never done before. However, by using our imagination, we can reframe our fears and turn them into opportunities for growth. As noted in the Harvard Business Review, carving out time for reflection can help us overcome our fears. By reflecting on what we’re afraid of and why, we can gain the insight needed to move forward with confidence.
In conclusion, imagination is a powerful tool for starting new projects or hobbies. By visualizing success, questioning with curiosity and reframing uncertainty with reflection, we can overcome the obstacles that prevent us from pursuing our passions. So go ahead, indulge your imagination and see where it takes you!
