Schaumburg 2/23/2011 5:39:36 AM
News / Business

IMAGINATION is YOUR KEY to SUCCESS!

"Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere." - Albert Einstein

This remark was made by one of the most intelligent and successful people to have ever lived. The words "genius" and "Einstein" are often used synonymously these days, and there is great reasoning behind that. Einstein is best remembered for his magnificent intelligence and the discovery of numerous theories. Although Einstein was astonishingly brilliant, this wasn't the only quality that made him reach such a high and respectable status. In addition to being very wise, Einstein was profoundly original and had a remarkable IMAGINATION.

Even though most of his work was based on logic, Einstein wouldn't have achieved such great success in his lifetime if it wasn't for his fabulous imagination as well.  Logic is the science of reasoning, meaning that in order for a theory to be true, there has to be knowledge and rationale behind it.  Logic itself is not a very unique trait to have.  Almost everyone has some sort of logic, also called common sense.  Without any type of logic, many people would not survive or fend for themselves in this world.

An enchanting imagination is a unique trait that many people tend to lack.  In addition to his wisdom, Einstein had to put his marvelous imagination to use as well.  Imagination is the ability to form mental images of something that isn't actually there.  Everyone has the ability to imagine, although that ability is very weak for many people as a result of society.  A creative imagination is a gift that many successful and happy people have maintained and cherished from childhood!  Sadly, many people tend to lose this wonderful trait as they grow older because they are taught that way.

Think of the wandering and fanciful imagination of a five-year-old child.  The world, through a child's mind, is a place of endless possibilities and opportunities.  It is a new place where anything could happen anytime!  Children often make up bizarre stories and tell them to anyone who will listen.  They will also pretend they're someone else, such as a princess or a king.  In their own imaginative world, children could be anything they want to be, and this is of great benefit.  The more children get to use their imagination, the more creativity they gain.  Having a colorful imagination is something that should be encouraged!

Unfortunately, as children get older, having a vivid imagination is not as encouraged, and often times is even discouraged, sometimes for normal obvious reasons.  While it is perfectly acceptable for a five-year-old to have an imaginary friend, if a seventeen-year-old had an imaginary friend, it would definitely be frowned upon.  This doesn't mean that we should let go of our creative imaginations all-together.  There are numerous ways to have a creative imagination as an adult and be "sane".  After all, having an imagination is more "normal" than not having an imagination at all.

 If you believe that you have lost your creativity and imagination, there are plenty of gratifying ways to gain that power back and even amplify it!  Let your imagination take over, and opportunities will be flying your way.  Not sure where or how to start?  Here are a few ideas:

1.  Daydream - set aside some time each day to just relax and let your imagination run wild.  Think of a crazy new invention or plan an adventurous trip in your mind.

2.  Think Like a Child - children see the world through a different perspective.  Think back to when you were a child and how you viewed the world.  Is it much different from the way you view it now?  If possible, try to live out the way you dreamed of as a child.

3.  Ask Lots of Questions - when we didn't know much about the world, we questioned everything.  Ask yourself these questions now and think of creative answers.  "What are clouds for?" and "Why do birds fly?" are some questions to get your mind thinking.  Be curious about everything!

4.  Change Your Environment - hike up a mountain, explore a forest preserve, bike a trail, or sit by a pond.  There are many new places you could go to, which in turn will get you thinking in new and different ways.

5.  Surround Yourself with Creative People - join an art or music class at your local college or park district.  This is a great way to meet creative people with lots of new ideas.  Remember the saying "birds of a feather flock together" is sometimes true.    

    These ideas will eventually turn into habits if practiced enough, and once your creative imagination is part of who you are, success will ultimately reach you!

For more information on how to reach your full potential, send an e-mail to kathyk@pti360.com.  You could also visit www.pti360.com and find out how Powerteam International could help you reach your goal!