Kirwan Rockefeller, Ph.D., WIA/TAA Academic Advisor at the University of California, Irvine Extension, is the author of “Visualize Confidence: How to Use Guided Imagery to Overcome Self-Doubt,” and is the co-editor of “Psychology, Spirituality and Healthcare,” Volume 2 of the 3-volume series, “Whole Person Healthcare.” Dr. Rockefeller will be providing a series of blogs on utilizing the imagination for personal transformation.
As Oprah says, “Even the wildest dreams have to start someplace. Allow yourself the time and space to let your mind wander and your imagination fly. You must be a believer before you can be an achiever.”
Every single step of human ingenuity first started with a thought or an image in someone’s mind. How would our world be different if Steve Jobs had said, “Why would anyone want to carry a phone around all day long? They’re too bulky. That’s nuts!” Or if Bill Gates had said, “What would anybody do with a computer on their desk? Computer are only for scientists.” Or, if Michelangelo had said, “I can’t paint the Sistine Chapel. They don’t make paint brushes that long. Climb on top of a scaffolding? I might fall!” Or, if Christopher Columbus had said, “Well, you know … everyone says if you sail west, you’re going to fall off the edge of the world. I think I’ll stay here and have a glass of wine.”
Being open to working with your creative imagination, you’ll discover new ideas coming to you all day long. Yet, time and time again we dismiss them as silly or impossible.
Instead, begin to nurture the tiny seedlings of new thoughts, ideas and images that come from deep within your psyche; the part of you that knows you can. Allow these new concepts or future imaginations to be protected, watered, encouraged to grow without any immediate concerns on how they’ll pay the bills. Give them the chance to take root and grow strong, before demanding they bear fruit. You might need to keep these new opportunities hidden so the Energy Vampires or Inner Critics in your life don’t destroy the new seedlings.
Think to yourself “I wonder what would happen if I ______.” And when you’re ready begin to take small steps towards making them your new reality, fill in the blank. What would happen if you did what feels deeply right for you?
Paying attention to the smallest details prepares you to act. And one day, you’ll realize the tiny steps added up to make big steps.
Stay tuned for next time when we will discuss the possibilities of beginning with the end in mind.