Imagination has brought mankind through the dark ages to its present state of civilization.
Imagination led Columbus to discover America.
Imagination led Franklin to discover electricity” [L. Frank Baum].
Imagination is the first step to reaching for the impossible, attempting the incredible, and changing the world. To be able to envision a future that is different and better than the “right now,” is a gift. As W. Clement Stone said, “whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”
I believe there is a lot of truth in Stone’s statement. Think of the discoveries, breakthroughs, and inventions that we have seen as a result of someone’s imagination. Since 2000, the iPod (2001), birth control patch (2002), Toyota’s hybrid car (2003) and YouTube (2005) were invented and/or brought to market — each shaping our attitudes and our lives in a unique way.
What we had yesterday or have today does not limit what is possible tomorrow. I’ve heard a number of people say that your future is not determined by your past or your present. When we believe that “the past is but the beginning of a beginning” [H.G. Wells], we stand at the brink of creating an awesome future.
This past weekend, I attended a grant writing workshop sponsored by INCREASE, a local community development corporation. The event took place at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning, and I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. I wondered how many people would willingly give up a weekend morning, in the summer, to sit in a classroom for three hours to learn about grants?
Actually, the class consisted of about 30 attendees. Organizers had to bring extra tables and chairs into the room. What really amazed me was that nearly everyone there had paid a registration fee to take a workshop on a Saturday for the purpose of learning how to navigate the grant request process, to help other people. Surprised? So was I!
As the instructor made her way around the room, asking people why they were seeking funding, I was inspired by the many ideas people had imagined to benefit others. Below is just a sample:
- Provide transitional housing for former offenders.
- Create an after-school music program for children.
- Increase computer literacy for Seniors.
- Counsel couples for healthy marriages.
- Provide marching-style percussion instruction to young people, in an effort to prepare them to qualify for musical scholarships.
- Implement a tutoring and peer counseling program for children.
Most everyone in the room had imagined a better future for someone else, and was committed to taking action to make it happen. Many had business plans developed. Others already had several years of experience and desired to expand. These weren’t just entrepreneurs, these were people with a passion. As we discussed ideas and made plans, the anticipation and excitement in the room was palpable. There was a general consensus of the need to “work for something because it is good, not just because it stands a chance to succeed” [Vaclav Havel].
How about you? When was the last time you took time to imagine what you could accomplish to benefit others? We already know how to imagine a better future for ourselves. Don’t you think that part of what makes OUR future so bright, is the opportunity to bring others along with us? Isn’t it time to step in and tip the possibility scale in favor of someone else? How about working some of that “new math”? Maybe your contribution could cause the equation to look like this:
Their Past + Their Present + Your Intervention = A Brighter Future for Everyone
Can you imagine what the world could be like if we really understood that “the greatest discovery of our generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind. As you think so shall you be” [William James]. I think it’s time to get serious about creating opportunities to help others alter their attitudes and improve their lives!
Whatever you are, be a good one!
Deanna
