Our brains contain the faculty for forming new ideas, or images or concepts of external objects not present to the senses. That is, we can exercise imagination.
Creativity begins with imagination, in fact, the words can be considered synonyms. The core of innovation is imagination. In it’s simplest form innovation is taking the product of our imagination, applying creativity and translating it into tangible results.
Feed it
Imagination is not something to be suppressed. Some consider it flighty and a waste of time. You may hear others complain you spend too much time imagining versus executing.
Unfortunately, this can discourage creativity and ultimately a potentially great idea is lost. Without imagination and creativity, we might no have refrigerators, toilets, mobile phones, and the list is endless.
When interacting with others ranging from your children, friends, and family to colleagues, stargazing in wonder should not only be encouraged but nurtured.
Do any of us want to be the person who stifled the next great enhancement for humankind?
Analytical Process
It is not all about imagination. Having a goal and a plan to achieve it should not be superseded by imagination, however, the really innovative results are rarely arrived at without a touch of creativity in the mix.
Being process-oriented and applying standardized practices is best balanced with wide-open thoughts not necessarily contained within the boxes of process.
Like most things though the overall best effect is not achieved by overweighting one practice versus another but rather through careful balance.
