A Triad of Superpowers to Build a Better Future: The Inter“Play” of Imagination, Prospection, and Creativity

Teleport with me back to last week. We're in a commuter jet cruising over Eastern Colorado at ten thousand feet. The view below is an expansive, flat sea of farmland that stretches endlessly toward the horizon. Gone are the jagged peaks of the Rockies; instead, the land is divided into vast squares and circles, a patchwork of agricultural plots laid out in an almost hypnotic grid. The fields vary in color—some a rich green, others tawny, others bare earth, reflecting the seasonal cycles of wheat, corn, and other crops. Circular fields hint at irrigation systems, their perfect shapes a reminder of human ingenuity against the otherwise rugged simplicity of the prairie.

Dirt roads and small highways crisscross the landscape, connecting isolated farmhouses and small quiet pockets of life. I just left one of those quiet pockets of life in the eastern plains of Colorado where my family celebrated my grandpa, Alvin Young’s 100th birthday.

Sitting, or rather bouncing beside me, is my one-year-old granddaughter, Isla Marie, namesake of my wife Angela Marie who provides the other backstop to Isla in our row. Isla points out the window and says, “Puppy!” Everything interesting to her is a puppy.

I’m reflecting on that time I spent reminiscing with my grandpa for a couple of days. I’m reminded that whether we are one year or one hundred years old, in the present we occupy at least two other places, the past and the future. Seemingly simultaneously, and usually without even realizing it, we use the past to help us “try on” different futures, evaluate them, and decide which path to pursue.

I recall the striking contrast between Isla simply thinking about which toy to pick up next and grandpa planning his last days on earth, fully immersed in his family’s love with a vice grip on his faith, envisioning a better future beyond death and into eternity. I am circumspect as I come to realize I am sitting at the perfect vantage point between a new life and a life well-lived. I’m incredibly grateful. But, like Isla, like grandpa, and like you, “dear gentle reader,” I can’t help but wonder what’s next and what I should do to prepare for it…

Prospection: Seeing Through Time

Prospection, a term coined by psychologists, refers to our ability to look forward and anticipate future events. Unlike imagination, which can span realms of pure fantasy, prospection grounds us in plausible future scenarios. It’s the process by which we mentally try on different futures, evaluate them, and decide which path to pursue.

In the realm of creativity, prospection is where imagination meets strategy. By visualizing potential outcomes and thinking through the consequences, we can shape our actions more intentionally. For example, join Isla weighing the enjoyment of her next toy encounter or grandpa seeing into the ever after. Though profound in their differing perspectives, both are practicing prospection, aligning their creative work with anticipated outcomes.

Prospection also requires us to consider factors like timing, feasibility, and potential impact. It’s a forward-looking approach that keeps us connected to our goals and adaptable to change. Interestingly, prospection also helps mitigate risks; by mapping out scenarios and consequences, we’re better equipped to make informed decisions and embrace a path of purposeful creativity.?

In today’s ever-evolving landscape, imagination, prospection, and creativity are more critical than ever. They drive innovation, connect us to our goals, and shape our actions. But how do these elements interact, and what roles do they play in our creative processes? More importantly, how can we harness them to navigate life with greater intention and impact?

As we unpack these questions, let’s explore how these three powerful concepts intersect, influence, and amplify one another, ultimately crafting the art of “intentional creativity.” This synergy can empower us, not just in creating things but in building lives and organizations that reflect our highest aspirations.

Imagination: The Spark of Possibility

Imagination is where it all begins. It’s our mind’s ability to form ideas, images, or sensations that are not immediately present. In essence, imagination is the raw material from which creativity is crafted. It’s where we dream up solutions before, we understand the problem. Imagination allows us to see beyond the present and envision a different reality—a different way of doing things.

But imagination doesn’t just serve as a whimsical escape; it’s a functional component of innovation. When a team imagines new products or a writer envisions a story’s landscape, they draw upon a form of imagination rooted in the ability to visualize things that don't yet exist.

What’s often overlooked, however, is that imagination is not limited to the artistic fields. It’s equally crucial for leaders, strategists, and problem-solvers. By engaging our imagination in these domains, we unlock our potential to consider what could be rather than what is. To truly leverage imagination, we must train ourselves to question assumptions, play with ideas, and hold space for possibilities—an essential first step in any creative journey.

Creativity: Turning Vision into Reality

Creativity is the process of bringing imaginative ideas to life. It’s where imagination and prospection coalesce, translating vision into action. Creativity is iterative; it requires us to experiment, adapt, and refine. It’s what turns an abstract idea into a tangible product or a moment of inspiration into a lasting impact.

However, creativity isn’t just about output—it’s a mindset, a way of engaging with the world around us. It’s the ability to see beyond constraints, to challenge the status quo, and to persist in the face of obstacles. Creativity asks us to be resilient, open to change, and willing to embrace uncertainty.

For leaders and professionals, creativity often involves creating solutions in complex, unpredictable environments. It’s about thinking laterally, finding novel connections, and pushing boundaries. The most successful creative processes are those that welcome failure as part of growth, using it as fuel rather than a deterrent. When we combine creativity with prospection and imagination, we create a powerful toolkit for navigating life’s complexities with agility and purpose.

The Intersection: Intentional Creativity

When we unite imagination, prospection, and creativity, we arrive at intentional creativity—a process of creating not just for creation’s sake but with purpose and foresight. This intersection allows us to set our imaginations free, while also grounding our creative energy in achievable goals and long-term visions.

Intentional creativity begins by imagining a future aligned with our values and aspirations. We then use prospection to strategize, exploring pathways and choosing those that bring us closer to our goals. Finally, we employ creativity to act, iterating and adapting our approach along the way. This process transforms creativity from a spontaneous act into a deliberate practice.

Let’s consider an example from everyday life. Say you’re designing a new product or solution. Imagination allows you to envision something innovative, maybe even revolutionary. Prospection helps you map out the impact—considering factors like market demand, user needs, and future trends. Finally, creativity is the toolkit that brings it all together, enabling you to test, refine, and ultimately launch your product with a clear purpose in mind, knowing that each step, success or setback, is part of a larger journey.

The Role of Reflection

A final but often overlooked component of intentional creativity is reflection. After we imagine, forecast, and create, we must look back to assess and learn. Reflection offers insights into what worked and what didn’t, and it allows us to refine our process, improving with each cycle. It’s through reflection that imagination, prospection, and creativity come full circle, informing and enhancing each other for the next creative endeavor.

Reflection is crucial for leaders, creators, and innovators who aim to evolve continuously. By regularly examining our work and learning from it, we stay agile and responsive to change. Reflection isn’t about dwelling on mistakes; it’s about growth, setting us up for future successes by deepening our understanding of the creative process.

Cultivating the Triad in Everyday Life

So how do we actively engage with imagination, prospection, and creativity in our daily lives? Here are a few strategies:?

1. Set Aside Time for Imaginative Exploration: Schedule moments for free thinking and daydreaming. Let your mind wander; it’s here that new ideas are born.
2. Practice Prospection through Scenario Planning: Regularly imagine different future scenarios. This could be in your career, personal life, or creative pursuits. Assess the potential outcomes and align your actions accordingly.
3. Embrace Creative Habits: Creativity thrives on practice. Engage in activities that stretch your creative muscles, from brainstorming sessions to experimenting with new mediums or approaches.
4. Reflect and Refine: At the end of each project or creative endeavor, take time to reflect on what you learned. What went well? What could improve? Reflection is the bridge between past experiences and future growth.

Conclusion

Back in the plane we’re being told to prepare to land. North Texas’s intricate patchwork of fields, roads, and towns stretching across the horizon. Clusters of suburban homes appear in tight, orderly formations, contrasting with the vast stretches of open land. Highways snake through the terrain, linking small towns and cities, while Dallas and Fort Worth shimmer in the distance, sprawling and vibrant against the rural countryside.

Isla finally fell asleep, so precious, and the cabin is still and quiet. Amid this tranquil setting - as I run several scenarios about the upcoming week through my head - anticipated difficult conversations, upcoming announcements about our new book project, the pending release of new insightful conversations on the Best Ideas Win Podcast , I'm struck by the critical role perspective plays in our understanding of problems and our ability to envision a better future. The intersection of imagination, prospection, and creativity offers us a roadmap for navigating life with intentionality.

By embracing imagination, we expand our understanding of what’s possible. Through prospection, we channel that potential into viable paths forward. And with creativity, we transform ideas into reality. When we intentionally cultivate these skills, we move from reactive to proactive creators, building lives and legacies that reflect our highest aspirations.

Intentional creativity, then, is not just an approach; it’s a way of life—one that empowers us to shape the future rather than simply respond to it. Whether you’re a leader, artist, or entrepreneur, let this triad guide you toward a more imaginative, purpose-driven, and resilient creative journey.

Happy Prospecting!