Imagination enables us to think about possibilities and go beyond existing constraints. Imagination helps the decision-maker to mentally simulate possibilities, anticipate outcomes, and choose more wisely. Via imagination, we can safely explore new hypotheses or try out new strategies without the commitments that come along with actual implementation (Gosetti-Ferencei, 2018).
- Imagining possible futures
Imagining the future enables us to evaluate alternative paths forward, anticipate how we would feel if they happened, and decide accordingly. For instance, by simulating a potential event (a job interview, holiday options) through mental imagery, we can “test out” potential emotional consequences.
- Imaginative emotions
Imaginative thought allows us to see the future outcome. But it is imaginative emotions that motivate us to undertake the difficult journey to reach our goals. Having a vivid view of the future ahead can affect our motivation. Visual images are more emotionally compelling than words. For example, people who viewed age-progressed images of themselves expressed increased intentions to save for retirement (Sims, 2020).
- Creativity in problem-solving
Imagination helps create different lenses through which to see the world. When our powers of imagination are focused beyond the “what was” and “what is” and extend to the “what if” or “what might be,” the scope of possibility space that we explore is considerably wider.
- Perspective taking
Imagination enables us to put ourselves in other people’s shoes, we think what they think, and feel what they feel. We can try to come to a better understanding of those who are different from ourselves. Observing your behavior, I imagine what I would think, feel, and do in your situation.
- Counterfactual thinking
Counterfactual thinking or hypothetical reasoning refers to comparing reality with hypothetical alternatives (“what if I had made different choices”). Counterfactuals help people to prepare for the future. For example, when people imagine how a bad event could have been prevented and how the event could have turned out better (if I had left the office earlier, I would not have missed the train; if only I had studied harder for this exam). Thoughts about how things could have turned out differently provide a roadmap for change.
- Metaphor
Metaphors make us think of life in new ways. We can imaginatively see a particular perspective on the metaphor’s focus. For example, consider the popular Forrest Gump analogy: “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get”. Forrest compares life to a box of chocolates to make a point that life is unpredictable. Metaphor has the power to redescribe reality through examples.
- Abstract thinking
Imagination is an important aspect of abstract thinking, allowing individuals to envision unseen connections and outcomes in the complexities of social and physical reality. When people distance themselves from the present context, they engage in more abstract thinking. It is the wisdom behind the saying “Get Some Perspective.” From a distant perspective, one sees the forest, but from a proximal perspective, one sees trees. A broader perspective allows us to consider multiple aspects of a situation. The distance allows one to view problems more imaginatively. Suddenly, our mind is aware of considerations that were previously ignored, and the facts that should be ignored.
- The perils of excessive daydreaming and fantasy
Daydreaming (or mind wandering) is one of life’s great enjoyments. You can indulge in it when you’re stuck in a boring meeting or a traffic jam. They reflect what you want in life and something to strive for. But they can also keep you stuck in your life. Dreamers get nowhere in life without becoming doers (Oettingen, 2018). Indulging in the desired future ignores possible obstacles and therefore masks the necessity to act. Fortunately, positive fantasies can become a powerful protective factor when added to a healthy dose of reality. By imagining the future and then imagining the obstacles to reality, one recognizes that measures need to be taken to overcome the status quo to achieve the desired future.
