Imagination - I use my imagination to create ideas for work

Introduction 

Imagination is the process of forming ideas or concepts. This may also be referred to as creative, innovative, or forward-thinking. All the biggest buildings in the world were first conceived in someone's mind. Architects imagined the possibility of what could be and used their skills to make their visions a reality. Our imaginations contain the seeds of everything new. The human imagination is the key to unlocking dreams and building the future. When our creativity is blocked, we have a difficult time being our best self at work or at anything we attempt to achieve. 

Why is having curiosity important?

As we step into the 4th Industrial Revolution, we need skills to solve complex problems and address challenges that do not have one answer. Skills that are not automatable (such as curiosity and imagination) become more important. Research has shown that adopting a few creative or imaginative activities into your daily life has many long-term benefits. Suggestions on how to become more imaginative include, a drawing book with crayons and paste, cooking a meal, doodling, singing a crazy self-made song, observing art at a museum or reading a novel. 

Benefits of using imagination

1. Enhances your problem-solving skills.

2. Improves your social interactions.

3. Preserves your memory.

4. Arouses your curiosity.

5. Develops self-confidence.

Skill example

I found out that interesting stories make interesting films, so I began to imagine the type of stories that would be interesting for others to watch.  

Dudu's story

Dudu lives in KwaZulu Natal. She has a six-year-old son. Dudu has been experiencing much stress ever since she was appointed as the manager of a retail store. She is ever so grateful for her promotion and remains thankful every day. It took several years of hard work and striving for excellence to get to the position of manager. Dudu feels that she is often distracted when she comes home. She is adjusting to a new set of duties and finds little time for her family. She brings her work home, and her son is usually asleep when she is done for the day.

One afternoon, Dudu's son, asked that she help with his school project. He had to create a piece of art for Tata Madiba's birthday. Dudu saw this as a great opportunity to spend time with her son as she missed that in recent weeks. She set aside her files for the day and started chatting with her son about what he knew about Tata. She suggested paper cuttings, drawings, and a storyboard to her son, and he seemed pleased as they worked on this together. For the next three hours, Dudu explained who Tata Madiba was and what His presence meant for South Africa. Her son listened closely as Dudu created a piece of art that told a story of struggle, hope and victory for many South Africans.

She imagined what it would have been like to watch Him released from prison. She felt the joy, pride and delight of the nation as she sat there. Dudu realised that she felt so empowered and energised after the storytelling and creating a piece of art that she decided to make this a weekly ritual where she would choose historical figures and tell stories about them so that her son could learn about them. She was excited and felt that she could comfortably deal with the next day's events.

How to grow your imagination

Imagination is a powerful tool that can help us generate new ideas, solve problems, and create new possibilities. Here are some tips for growing your imagination:

1. Read: Reading can expand your imagination by exposing you to new ideas, perspectives, and worlds. Choose books that inspire you and challenge your thinking.
2. Practice brainstorming: Brainstorming is a great way to generate new ideas and stretch your imagination. Set aside time to brainstorm ideas for a specific project or problem, and don't be afraid to think outside the box.
3. Take breaks: Taking breaks can help refresh your mind and give your imagination a boost. Take a walk, meditate, or do something creative to help clear your mind and stimulate your imagination.
4. Engage in creative activities: Engaging in creative activities such as drawing, painting, writing, or playing music can help unlock your imagination and inspire new ideas.
5. Ask questions: Asking questions and challenging assumptions can help you see things in a new light and generate new ideas. Ask questions about everything, from why things work the way they do to what might happen if things were different.
6. Surround yourself with imaginative people: Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. Collaborate with people who have different perspectives and approaches, and share your ideas with them.

Remember that imagination is a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time. By practicing creativity, asking questions, and surrounding yourself with imaginative people, you can grow your imagination and unlock new possibilities.