S31 E3: "Imaginable: How to See the Future Coming and Feel Ready for Anything―Even Things That Seem Impossible Today" by Jane McGonigal
Sep 6, 2023
14:57
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Jane McGonigal, author who draws on the latest scientific research in psychology and neuroscience, shows us how to train our minds to think the unthinkable and imagine the unimaginable. Topics include expanding imagination and preparing for future possibilities, recognizing signals of change, and unlocking the power of imagination and urgent optimism.
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Quick takeaways
Envisioning the future with a 10-year timeline expands imagination, provides more information, and enables setting optimistic goals.
Embracing and exploring seemingly impossible future scenarios prepares individuals for potential disruptions and challenges.
Deep dives
Focus on the future
When envisioning the future, it is beneficial to focus on a 10-year timeline. This provides enough time for significant changes to occur in society and one's own life. By thinking 10 years ahead, individuals can expand their imagination, gain more information, and set more optimistic goals. It helps to break free from present limitations and opens up possibilities for transformative change.
Taking seriously the seemingly impossible
It is important to take seriously and imagine future scenarios that may initially seem impossible or outrageous. By embracing and exploring these unimaginable ideas, individuals can better prepare themselves for potential disruptions or challenges that may arise. Examples of once-improbable scenarios becoming reality, such as global lockdowns, remote learning, and sudden job loss, highlight the need to expand our collective imagination and adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
Developing the creativity of futurists
Futurists work with clues to build future scenarios. To find these clues, it is crucial to develop a habit of observing the world and spotting unexpected or strange occurrences. Searching for signals of change, exploring innovative ideas, experimenting with flipped facts, and engaging in future imagination exercises can all foster creative thinking and help individuals envision alternative futures. Building mental flexibility, realistic hope, and a sense of future power can lead to urgent optimism, a mindset that propels proactive action and resilience in the face of uncertainty.
In "Imaginable," Jane McGonigal draws on the latest scientific research in psychology and neuroscience to show us how to train our minds to think the unthinkable and imagine the unimaginable.
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