In recent posts, I’ve been talking about why and how to create conditions conducive to reimagining. In this installment on how to reimagine, it’s time to do it.
If the goal is to paint a more vivid picture of a future you want, start by describing it. You can choose any medium for this — write it down, sketch it out, record it as you speak it aloud…
Go back and observe it. How detailed is it so far? Rough pencil sketch on the back of an envelope? It’s ok.
Just like a preschooler is good at asking ‘why’ too many times to count, revisit your vision and ask: ‘and what else?’ (Thanks to Michael Bungay Stanier for always coming to mind when I ask this question!) Ask it again. And again.
Are you encountering internal resistance? There are likely many unknowns and things you are waiting on. You may or may not be in a position to make a change or a decision [yet]. It’s ok. I’m not suggesting you take action [yet]. The goal here is not primarily to be accurate or realistic. It’s to be detailed and energized.
Feeling stuck? It’s ok.
There are lots of proven ways to boost creativity. Here are just a few:
- Work in small chunks of time. Keep coming back to your picture/description for a few minutes every once in a while, rather than working on it all at once.
- Change the medium. If you’ve been using pictures, switch to words. Could you build a prototype or scene out of Lego or playdough? Could you describe your scenario to a trusted friend who could ask you supportive questions about it?
- Go to extremes. How might your description come to life if you pushed yourself to make it more colourful, more exciting, more courageous or even more ridiculous? Remember, the goal isn’t realism — it’s detailed clarity.
- Add constraints. Force yourself to describe your dream in six words. On one page. In one minute.
- Do a second one. Just like you could probably redecorate a room in several ways that would appeal to you equally, see what possibilities emerge when you start over and describe a whole different exciting future from the one you started with.
- Walk. It’s magic. Just do it.
Then keep your vision visible to you. Describe it on a post-it and stick it on your monitor or mirror. Track how it makes you feel.
And remember — this approach works for organizations and teams, not just individuals. plans.
Next week I’ll share what happened when I took a dose of my own medicine.