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IGNITE Your Imagination

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IGNITE Your Imagination

By Shayla A

Your imagination. How big is your imagination? How detailed is your imagination? When was the last time you used your imagination? When was the last time you daydreamed? When was the last time you fantasized about a vacation? A night out? A day off? A different job? Research shows daydreaming is essential for our mental health and goal achievement. In this episode of IGNITE, we will journey with Albert Einstein, John Lennon, and Steve Harvey to use our imagination and IGNITE our coaching!

Many an elementary school classroom has charts, graphs, alphabets, math problems, science illustrations, etc. adorning their walls. For years, I had a poster size picture of Albert Einstein that had the words, “Imagination is more important than knowledge” typed on the bottom I had it when I taught second grade, when I taught kindergarten, when I taught special education. That was my teaching motto. If a child tapped into their imagination more than they were solving problems, the problem-solving was much easier and more fun. According to Walden University (waldenu.edu), “Not only has daydreaming been known to reduce stress and anxiety, but it also helps with problem-solving and creativity.” We don’t lose our imagination as we get older. We often times say, “That kid sure does have an imagination! I wish I could be that creative!” That’s the thing- we can! Having an imagination is not limited to only creative and young people. Even as adults we imagine things. We imagine things differently than the current moment or the current space we are in. We imagine our house different, with upgrades or new paint. We imagine our office space to be more outdoors or have a better view. We imagine our children graduating. We imagine the anniversary cruise. We imagine to escape. We imagine to set goals. We imagine for a reason.

If you Google “Steve Harvey imagination is everything”, you will find one of the most inspirational videos that I can watch or listen to repeatedly and it never gets old. It continues to motivate and empower me each time I hear it. He makes a powerful statement. He says, “Your real life is in your imagination.” I have said countless times over the years and through many seasons, “I never would have imagined my life where it is right now.” The truth of it is, I fantasized about many of the details that are present in my life. I dreamed of being a writer. I dreamed of teaching my own children. I dreamed of coffee shops and couches and conversations. It is the journey that has looked a bit different than those dreams and goals inside my head through all these years. The other truth is- if you imagine it, it can happen- in a kind of “Field of Dreams” type of way. If you imagine a successful season with a team of girls who are all friends and support each other, it will happen! If you imagine a set of leaders on your team that become junior coaches because of your support, it will happen! If you imagine all of your coaches and girls crossing the finish line at the 5K despite health concerns- It. Will. Happen! Your goals and achievements are the outcomes of your great imagination!

It is important to keep your imagination actively engaged. It is important to pay attention to what you are imagining. When you wake up in the morning, how do you imagine your day going? If you are already dreading a meeting or a conversation or a deadline, your imagination will empower those thoughts. If you wake up in the morning imagining a peaceful day, your next choices will lead you on that journey. You create your own destiny. You are the author of your days, weeks, years, and life! Vision boards have been known to increase goal achievement and more positive mental health. When you dream and continuously envision that dream, you are more likely to take small daily steps through the journey to reach your dream vacation, dream job, dream relationship, dream life. John Lennon wrote it and sang it in a song, “You may say that I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope one day you’ll join us. And the world will be as one.” Dream with your coaches. Dream with your team. Dream with yourself and imagine the best season of your life yet to come! It may not come this Spring. It may not happen in the Fall. But it will happen, because each new practice is a foot forward. The next practice is a movement in the goal direction. Each practice is the continuation of your imagination and vision.

Pay attention to your imagination. Pay attention to your daydreaming. Pay attention to your wandering thoughts. They are the journey AND the goal to your day, your practice, your promotion, your vacation that you decided was worth imagining and daydreaming. Stimulate your imagination and you will stimulate your problem-solving, your creativity, and your confidence. Share your imagination with the right people- your coaches, your team, your motivators- and then prepare yourself for a world only you could imagine! Keep rockin’ out this season! The finish line is in your vision!

Shayla A is the Coach Mentor for Girls on the Run Greater Kansas City. Her background comes from the classroom, coaching, day treatment schools, wellness, and advocating for children with special needs. She enjoys empowering and advocating for girls and coaches

in every challenge and celebration. Connect with her for support and assistance this season via call, text, or email. shaylaaranda@gmail.com | 816-284-9770

RESOURCE LIST TO IGNITE YOUR IMAGINATION: