Are You Ignoring Your Most Powerful Leadership Tool?

Happy New Year! As we tiptoe (or maybe cannonball) into 2024, I want to talk about a power tool we all have but often leave rusting in the back of our mental shed – our imagination.

Last month, we celebrated the accomplishments of 2023 and asked, "What's next?" This month, let's explore how our imagination shapes that very next.

The Road Less Traveled by Imagination

Remember when you were a kid and could imagine yourself as an astronaut, a superhero, or even a wizard? Then adulthood happened, and suddenly, our imagination got downgraded to figuring out what to cook for dinner. But here's the thing – the same imagination that once had us exploring Mars in cardboard spaceships is the key to unlocking our true potential.

The Two Faces of Imagination

Imagination is like a mischievous twin – it has two faces. One face shows us the bright, shiny possibilities – the "What if I succeed?" The other face, a bit gloomier, whispers, "But what if I fail?" Funny thing is, both take the same amount of energy. It's like running on a treadmill: you're putting in the effort, but are you moving towards a window with a view or a blank wall?

Case in Point: My Wedding Planning Adventure

Let me share a snippet from my own life – planning my wedding. My partner and I could imagine a thousand things going wrong (and, believe me, I do for a few moments here and there – like "Wardrobe Malfunction 2024" or "The Great Cake Collapse"). But I choose to focus on creating a day that celebrates love, laughter, good food (of course), and the joy of two families uniting. And guess what? One of these thought trains inspires me and excites me, while the other doesn't. I get to choose how I'm going to feel about planning my wedding.

From Diminishing to Empowering Dreams

Many of us use our imagination to diminish our dreams. We paint scenarios so vividly of things going south that we forget to imagine them going wonderfully, beautifully, and delightfully right. So, instead, let's pivot. Let's use that energy to fuel empowering dreams. Let's imagine achieving that promotion, nailing that public speaking gig, or even just getting through a week without accidentally sending an embarrassing reply-to-all message meant for a party of one (been there, done that!).

A Keystone in Leadership

Imagination is not just a pivotal skill in self-leadership; it's also powerful and valuable in guiding others. Learning to use imagination effectively isn't just about dreaming big; it's about shaping a more vibrant vision for yourself and those you lead. When we embrace imagination, we unlock new possibilities, not just in our minds but in our actions and decisions. This skill empowers us to foresee challenges, innovate solutions, and inspire those around us to move beyond the ordinary. As we grow in our ability to imagine and envision, we become leaders who don't just navigate the present but actively create the future. This journey of imaginative leadership is not just transformative for us but also for those who look to us for direction and inspiration.

Why focus on imagination? Because in our January web event, we're diving deep into this very topic. Join us to unlock the first step to becoming the visionary leader within you and learn how to turn your dreams into inspiring realities that motivate others to follow and contribute.

The January Web Event – Unlock Your Imagination

To delve deeper into this, don't forget to join our free web event on January 31st . We'll do some serious (but fun) mental gymnastics to flex our imagination muscles. Plus, the quick assessment we'll be discussing? It's going to be an eye-opener in understanding how you've been using (or not using) your imagination.

In Closing

As we embark on this 2024 journey, remember that imagining success and working towards it can be exhilarating. The path may change – today's CEO dream might transform into tomorrow's Crossfit Gym empire – but that's the beauty of it. Both journeys start with the power of imagination.

So, whether you're reading this with your morning coffee or during a well-deserved break, ask yourself: What will you imagine today?

And be sure to join me on January 31st, where we will increase your ability to imagine and show you exactly how to use your best thinking to do it!