Your Imagination is one of your greatest personal assets. It is a window into the world of possibility, and a powerful force toward the realization of a happier, more fulfilling life. When used purposefully, your imagination becomes the trigger of your creative abilities.
Without imagination we would never venture outside the box. Our reality would only exist within the confines of the status quo. What we tend to label as “fantasizing” is really a vital first step toward the realization of your dreams. Fantasy is a primary way that your imagination projects itself into the future and opens your mind to new possibilities.
The pressure to stifle your imagination
We should acknowledge the fact that, in our culture, there is some “not so subtle” pressure to limit our imaginations and abandon our fantasies. While we generally encourage the cultivation of a fertile imagination in our children, that changes as we leave childhood.
At some point we are expected to put away those “unrealistic” fantasies and pick up the torch of reality. Which really means, get a normal job and take your expected place in the real world. This pressure makes it challenging for your imagination to play its role in the realization of your dreams.
Keeping your imagination alive
You have incredible creative powers, and no one can take that from you unless you let them. Your imagination is the gateway to the realization of your dreams. Instead of abandoning it, you should continue to develop this wonderful creative force as you get older.
There is never a point where your life would be better off by denying your creative abilities. You will need to exercise balance with regard to current responsibilities, but this does not require that you abandon your dreams. There is always a way to do both.
Bridging the gap between imagination and realization
At first, the creations of your imagination exist only in the non-physical world. Before they can become part of your physical reality, you must start the realization process. This means that you must begin introducing them to their tangible counterparts.
Let’s look at some of the steps that will allow you to put a tangible face on your imaginary realities. I think you will be amazed at how easy this process really is. The key is to take your vision through a series of stages, one by one, until it becomes fully realized.
1. Write it down. What have you imagined? What does this fantasy look like, and how does it influence your existence? Describe it in detail. As you write allow the details to add clarity to your vision. If some important aspect is unclear, read your description and then close your eyes a concentrate on what you see.
Tell me your fantasies and I will show you your dreams.
Write them down and I will read you your future
The goal here is to put you mental image, and the feelings connected with it, into words that accurately describe your vision. The written word will introduce your fantasy to the physical world. It will now live in black and white on a sheet of paper that you can carry around and read whenever and wherever you want.
2. Define the sequence. Every vision has a logical sequence to its realization. Let’s use a home in the country as an example. First you need to decide if it’s a home you want to build, or one that already exists. If you are going to build it (or have it built) then the sequence would involve a piece of property, a house plan, permits, site preparation, etc. Each sequential step will require a certain amount of time and /or money.
If you want to buy an existing home, then you need to figure out where to begin your search. Does it need to be near a city that will support your work? Does it need to have room for raising horses or some other special purpose? How much money do you need for a down payment? Answering these questions will allow you to see what comes first in the realization sequence.
3. Create a plan of action. Once you have defined the sequence, make a plan. What can you do right now to start actively moving toward the realization of your vision? What will you do next? Figure out how to start unfolding this new reality.
You will probably discover extra steps along the way, but don’t worry about that now. Figure out a tentative plan and write it down. The most important thing is to get the ball moving in the right direction without getting bogged down in too many details.
4. Start taking action. Action is now the key component for realization. Find something to do and start doing it. If you want that cute little house in the country, start looking. If you need more money to make it happen, figure out how to start making more money.
Don’t let the lack of money keep you from continuing your search. Looking is free and it keeps the vision alive. It also keeps your mind motivated to find a solution to the money aspect. If you are going to build a house, start drawing up floor plans and figure out what style you want. Do this while you continue to look for property. Keep taking action so your mind stays focused on your vision.
With action comes clarity, purpose, and direction.
5. Keep track of your progress. One of the things that can help us stay motivated during this process is to continually acknowledge our progress. Every single time you accomplish even the tiniest goal, write it down, check it off, and celebrate your progress. Give yourself credit for bringing your vision that much closer to realization.
Make sure you always take time to acknowledge your accomplishments along the way. To continue the realization process just keep your vision alive in your imagination, keep adding clarity to it, and keep taking action in the right direction.
It all starts in your imagination
The seeds of creativity live in your imagination. If you nurture those seeds and help them grow, you will be tapping into your true creative nature. My friend Steve Aitchison of Change Your Thoughts did a short video on this subject called Crossing The Lines In Your Mind. If you like this subject, I am certain you will also enjoy his presentation.
Never relegate your fantasies to the storage closet. They hold the power of a new reality. The reason we fantasize is because our creative nature is showing us a glimpse of future possibilities. For your dreams to become your reality, you need only bridge the gap between imagination and realization.
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{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
Jonathan,
I need to keep things within realistic reach, but avoid being too conservative.
I think the whole conservative thing might be a front. Come on Frank, admit it. You’re really a wild-man, right?
Jonathan, thank you for another insightful post. I liked “never relegate your fantasies to the storage closet. They hold the power of a new reality.” That’s a key insight, because the very word fantasize makes many people think it means something that can never be real, in real-time, in this real world. So many from a young age are penalized for displaying gifts of the imagination – “it’s all in your imagination” is admonishment, not encouragement. Our limitless imagination, and the skills needed to act within and upon this imagination are ignored or even derided. Thanks for your eloquent reminder otherwise. From the foot of Mount Fuji, hello again – Catrien Ross.
.-= Catrien Ross´s last amazing blog post ..Catrien Ross on Blowing Out Your Negativity in A Puff of Positive Intention to Shift Your Energy =-.
Hi Catrien, you are so right about the stigma attached to imagination, they’ve got it completely backwards.
Every great accomplishment has been the result of someone having the courage to go from imagination to realization. Why does society revere their achievements while scoffing at those who follow their example?
Imagination is a treasure and should be encouraged and nurtured. As individuals we can do that even if the general populaces doesn’t agree. In fact, we really owe it to ourselves.
Hi Jonathan
This subject seems to be on a lot of writers lips at the moment, I keep hearing about it over the last weeks or so.
I believe your imagination is one of the most important tools you have at your disposal to help you change your life in a positive way. The 5 steps you have outlined is perfect for getting results in your life.
Thank you as well for the link to the video, I am so glad you found it of use.
.-= Steven Aitchison´s last amazing blog post ..How to Visualize Clearly What You Want =-.
Hi Steve,
I had been thinking about this subject and watching your video is what really got me going on it. I have lived my whole life in this process and it still defines my reality to this day. To me, every fantasy is a future reality in its gestation stage.
We all create our reality, but some do it consciously and others do it without being aware of their role in the process. I love helping them wake up to their creative nature.
Hi Jonathan,
it was just the right post for me to read right now.
When I was a kid I always dreamed about writing a book about healthy and active lifestyle but it has always seemed impossible to me. There always seemed to be something that would prevent me from doing this because I just was not “that type of a person.”
I have not written a book yet but right now my dream is as close to reality as never before. Simple steps like the ones you’ve described helped me use my imagination and bring my dream into reality. Writing a blog was my first little step that turned into a huge leap.
Thank you Jonathan for this article. It gives me motivation and inspiration to follow my imagination all the time in my life.
.-= Anastasiya´s last amazing blog post ..Are You a Social Chameleon? =-.
Hi Anastasiya,
I think you will not only write a book, but a great book. When I wrote 7 Simple Steps it was an amazing experience and I’m sure you will feel the same way. The whole process of refining your thoughts enough to share your knowledge and passion in an understandable way is very revealing.
You will learn so much about yourself during the process. I got tired of trying to prepare to write a book and decided to just start writing. Everything unfolded from there. If you are that close, maybe it’s time to start writing and see where it leads!
Hello Jonathan,
Thank you for the fabulous and educational article. As always, there are some great pointers learned from you to better myself.
Many thanks!
Zuzanna
.-= ZuzannaM´s last amazing blog post ..SPECIAL DEDICATION =-.
Hi Zuzanna, you are always so supportive and I really appreciate it. I am so glad you find these articles useful. Thank you.
Over 30 years ago my husband and I imagined getting out of the rat race and escaping from the city to set up our own small business in the countryside. We exchanged many hours of hopes and dreams and plans and soon we were creatively visualizing a completely different life.
We shared our dream with friends and family and received negative feedback as all were concerned about us falling into financial hardship.
Then we gathered everything we needed to pull the plug and live our dream. There have been hard times and there have been good times to but that lesson taught us never to stifle our imaginations, and it also taught us how to set goals and achieve them.
I value your posts in this blog because you give all your readers all they support they need to “come alive!”
.-= timethief´s last amazing blog post ..You Are What You Drink =-.
I am really happy that you followed your vision in spite of adverse feedback. Many well meaning friends and family members don’t realize the negative impact of their concern. We just have to recognize that it is motivated by love and then let it go.
Life will always have challenges and I’m glad that you mentioned that “There have been hard times and there have been good times.” Living our dreams does not make life perfect. It is however a quantum leap in the right direction over denying our fantasies and stifling our creative nature.
Hello Jonathan, you know everything starts as an idea in someone’s mind. Everything new comes from someone’s imagination.
“The most important thing is to get the ball moving in the right direction without getting bogged down in too many details.”
That is so important. Too many people are paralyzed in analysis while trying to work out every detail. It’s overwhelming and you will want to give up in despair. You can adjust your steps along the way, just like you said.
.-= Stephen – Rat Race Trap´s last amazing blog post ..Seven Wonders of the World – A Different View =-.
Hi Stephen, good to have you here. I think we can both agree that the analysis paralysis syndrome is built on a fallacy anyway. We will never have all the answers before the ball starts rolling.
Navigation happens in the present and only when we are moving. I have to remind myself of this sometimes, especially if I come up against a sticking point in the planning stage. The are people who accomplish a great deal following the READY, FIRE, AIM approach. I could stand to lean a little more that way.
Jonathan –
Good points here – why do we have to give up on our imagination at some point in our childhood. I think we lose so much of the power that comes with childlike curiosity, wonder and imagination when this adult convention kicks in.
I think that writing it down is a great start. I keep a journal, and several creative books (including an A3 one and lots of colored pens). I also think taking action is important too – it takes idea to reality. A note of caution is to stay imaginative whilst acting – look for better ways of doing it during the process. And enjoy it too!
Thanks,
Phil
.-= Phil Bolton´s last amazing blog post ..What I talk about when I talk about running =-.
Great points Phil, thanks for mentioning the importance of staying imaginative during the action phase. You never know when inspiration will strike.
Hi Jonathan.
You are right that no one can take away our creative powers unless we let them. If I’m super duper at making poems, it’s not like some negative force from someone will take away that interest or ability.
The point about listing a sequence of steps makes sense. We sometimes set a goal that is actually step #4 of a series, and so by leaving out steps 1-3, we make the goal look harder than it is to reach.
.-= Armen Shirvanian´s last amazing blog post ..Empowering Thoughts And Fearful Thoughts =-.
Hi Armen, great to have you here. That’s a good point about how we can derail our own efforts by not starting in the right place. There are very few things where sequence doesn’t matter. It might seem like a small thing but it can completely change our outcome.
Hi Jonathan. FYI, this post made my Five Friday Favorites roundup of favorite posts from the preceding week.
.-= Curt Rosengren´s last amazing blog post ..Five Friday Favorites =-.
Hey Curt, much appreciated. I am so glad you liked it. Hopefully, your readers will feel the same way. Thanks man!
As an only child I’ve always used my mind to create a little more joy. So I may be a bit partial on this one. But its always seemed strange to me that people now discourage imagination–even in children. Imagining is one of the most uplifting, safe, creative, and natural things that we can do. And the best part, as you’ve outlined in this post, is that we can move from imagination to manifestation.
.-= Nea | Self Improvement Saga´s last amazing blog post ..3 Simple Positive Thinking Techniques You’ll Love for Tough Times =-.
I love the fourth one, many people imagine about their success, create a plan, and forget the most important thing… If we want to success, ACTION is crucial thing!
So true Ben, without action everything else is really just wishful thinking.
Jonathan, thanks so much for sharing this topic. I love that you provided the bridge between fantasy/imagination and reality. Some of us tend to be very good at imagining without executing; others of us are good at executing without imagination. I’m definitely bookmarking this article
And I’m looking forward to watching Steve’s video on the topic of imagination.
Steve-Personal Success Factors recently posted..Secrets of Life and Death
Hi Steve, personally, my execution has a hard time keeping up with my imagination. It always come back to balance and balance is always the hardest thing.