THE UN-COMFORT ZONE

WITH ROBERT WILSON

THERE ARE NO LIMITS WHEN YOU USE THIS STUNNING POWER

Unleash the possibilities in your life with this creative tool.

“If you can dream it, you can achieve it.” – Zig Ziglar

I have written in this column many times about the value of creative thinking. And, I’ve written about the various key components of creative thinking. But, I’ve never written about how one of those can transform your life for the better. When you put this component to work the world will open up for you. You’ve probably already used this tool of creativity.

Most likely, at some point in your life, you planned a vacation or a trip. You chose a place, perhaps it was in an exotic location. Then you figured out where you would stay. Next, you arranged how to get there. Finally, you selected the activities you would do: the amusements, entertainments, and dining experiences... or maybe it was with the activities that you started your plan.

Or, perhaps you’ve planned a party. You came up with a theme. Then you contrived the festivities: dancing, singing, charades, trivia, and such. Next, you selected the foods and beverages to serve. And, finally you created a guest list and sent out invitations.

When you made these plans, you utilized this amazing tool of creative thinking. And, you can use it to enhance your finances, get the things you want, find the love of your life, and improve your health.

“Visualize what you want to do before you do it. Visualization is so powerful that when you know what you want, you will get it.” – Audrey Flack

What is this amazing tool, this component of creative thinking? It’s imagination, and it is a natural exercise that we should be doing every day. Everything that comes to us begins with imagination. But, as we enter full adulthood: working, bills, committing to a relationship; raising a family... we stop using our imagination. And, when we stop using it the progress of our lives slows down or comes to a halt.

“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will.” – George Bernard Shaw

What is it that you want? Is it more freedom to do what you want to do? Is it more money to buy the things you want? Is it less stress and more tranquility in your life? Is it more confidence to influence others, or to excel further in your career?

“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” – Albert Einstein

If you’re not living where you want to live; if you’re not driving the car you want; if you’re not working in the profession of your dreams, if you’ve not in the romantic relationship you desire, it’s because you haven’t been using your imagination, or because you’ve been dreaming too small. The good news is that it is never too late to start.

“Nothing limits achievement like small thinking; nothing expands possibilities like unleashed imagination.” – William Arthur Ward

When you are anxious or worried, you shut imagination down. Or worse, you are imagining the very thing you don’t want. I find imagination is a great way to stop worrying. You replace negative thinking with positive thinking. It helps with mindfulness too, because it gives you a goal that you can focus on daily or in the moment whenever you feel anxiety or depression coming on.

“Do not build up obstacles in your imagination.” – Norman Vincent Peale

Imagination is the tool we use to program our subconscious mind to help us achieve our goals and dreams. When we imagine something often enough; when our desire becomes potent enough; our subconscious mind starts working 24/7 to achieve that thing until it is accomplished. You will start to notice opportunities or avenues to achieve your goal. Your powerful subconscious mind is always on the alert to deliver on your desires.

“It’s time to start living the life you’ve imagined.” – Henry James

Here’s a way to help you understand how your subconscious mind works: think about the last time you were in the market for a new car. You considered your budget and needs, and then you searched the market. You looked at all the different makes and models that suited your criteria until you finally decided on the one car that would work for you. Before you decided on that particular make and model, you never noticed those cars on the road. But once you made the commitment to buy that car, you started seeing them everywhere. You were probably shocked at how many there were. It was as if the road was littered with them. That was your subconscious mind alerting you to that which will fulfill your desire. And, that is how it works when you put your imagination to work. Perhaps Mahatma Gandhi said it best, “We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness. We need not wait to see what others do.”

Starting now, take a little time each day to turn your imagination on, and dream about the person you want to be, and the world you want to live in. You have the power to make it possible.

Robert Evans Wilson, Jr. is an innovation/change speaker, author, and consultant. He works with companies that want to be more competitive through innovation and with people who want to think more creatively. Rob is the author of ...and Never Coming Back, a psychological mystery-novel about a motion picture director; The Annoying Ghost Kid, a humorous children’s book about dealing with a bully; and the inspirational book: Wisdom in the Weirdest Places. For more information on Robert, please visit www.RobWilsonSpeaker.com