Improve Your Resilience with Imagination Activism

This post is a shortened version of my weekly-ish newsletter. Subscribers get additional content including early access to research, free goodies and downloads, and exclusive interviews. You can read full versions here.

The full version of this dispatch includes a deep-dive into the definition of Lifequakes, and what it means to live in an era of constant transitions, an exploration of creating outside of professional obligations, and a roundup of Digital Culture articles that made me think.

The Power of Imagination Activism

I recently encountered the concept of imagination activism, created by Phoebe Tickell in 2022 . This idea quickly resonated with me, offering a way to counter the overthinking and catastrophizing that seem so prevalent today. Imagination activism isn’t just about personal resilience; it’s about reclaiming our capacity to envision a better future.

Cognitive science tells us that our brains operate in two primary circuits: one for linear, strategic thinking, and another for imaginative, exploratory thinking. Our culture overwhelmingly favors the first, leading to what some call a ‘crisis of imagination.’

Imagination activism offers a way out. It’s about intentionally creating space to engage our minds in possibility and creative thinking. By asking ourselves simple questions like What if things could go right? we can start to balance the negativity that often dominates our thoughts.

To expand our imaginative capacity, we need more than just personal effort; we need systemic change:

1. Creating dedicated time and space for imagination
2. Encouraging a culture that allows for creative exploration
3. Learning to use frameworks that connect mind and emotion.

Start by acknowledging your feelings, then ask yourself: What if the world could change for the better? What if there are solutions we haven’t yet imagined?

Take time to vividly imagine a specific, improved future—where communities are more connected, climate solutions are embraced, or social justice prevails. As you do this, you're not just fantasizing; you're actively expanding your understanding of what's possible. The more you explore these positive visions, the more you challenge your assumptions about what can be done. This mental exercise opens your mind to new possibilities and sources of inspiration, encouraging you to think beyond current limitations.

By spending time imagining how a different reality would feel, you start to shift your internal beliefs about what’s achievable. This doesn’t just lift your spirits; it primes your mind to recognize new opportunities and consider actions you might have dismissed before. In this way, imagination activism becomes a powerful tool for both personal resilience and collective change, helping you see the potential for a better world and motivating you to contribute to making it a reality.