Willy Wonkinate Your Leadership
Personal Development
June 3, 2015
Page Cole
Owner/Administrator Of Visiting Angels
Topics
imagination, intelligence, limitsI don't know you very well. OK, I may not know you at all. But I do know this about you without ever talking to you or seeing your face.
You can go places, places farther, and wilder and better than you ever imagined. That is, unless you get in the way.
Self-inflicted limitations keep us from the life that should be.
Things like:
- Poor self-image (how I see myself)
- Poor self-esteem (how I feel about what I see)
- Bad attitude
- Debt
- Unresolved conflicts
- Fear
- Intelligence
Wait, what? Intelligence keeps me from realizing my dreams? I get that those first six items are bad, and are the stuff I need to work through and work past to move forward. But my intelligence? The answer is... yes, absolutely.
Don't let your intelligence talk you out of the amazing things life can have in store for you, or talk you out of the incredible things you could accomplish. Rather, make the best swap out you'll ever agree to in your lifetime. Exchange the influence of intelligence for the invitation of your imagination!
Imagination will move you to places you only dream about. Intelligence only moves you to the next step you can see. You'll never embrace all that your gifts, passions and talents can do to help you accomplish your dreams if you trust your intelligence more than your imagination.
Listen to the lyrics of that wise sage of our childhood, Willy Wonka:
"Come with me, and you'll be in a world of pure imagination.
Take a look and you'll see into your imagination.
We'll begin with a spin traveling in the world of my creation.
What we'll see will defy explanation.
If you want to view paradise simply look around and view it.
Anything you want to, do it.
Want to change the world? There's nothing to it.
There is no life I know to compare with pure imagination.
Living there you'll be free If you truly wish to be."
Cut those limitations loose, and who knows what you'll do or become?! But don't you want to find out?
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Page, you are right that our intelligence can hold us back. We over-analyze, think we’re better than what we are, and so forth. But intelligence can make us think we’re sophisticated and mature, when our child-like entuhsiasm and curiosity are what propels our dreams.
Thanks for reminding us to cut loose and let loose!
Paul
I feel like I ought to break out in some Kevin Bacon moves with the soundtrack of “Footloose” in the background! Now the only choice is do I pick the Kenny Loggins original version of the song, or Blake Shelton’s remake? Heck, I’ll use both! Cut loose Paul!
Hi, Page
You had me at “Willy Wonkanate”:) …
I think you have articulately hit on yet another strong aspect of leadership which I have not seen directly mentioned elsewhere: Wonder
Wonder, to me and based on your thoughts, is a combination of curiosity, aspiration, and appreciation for all that is and all that can be, along with the motivation to be open to possibilities and willing to risk.
… and that quote is solid gold.
Thanks for starting my day off with a great set of observations:)
John
John,
I just don’t get it, how people can look at the majesty of creation or the people walking the aisles at Wal-Mart, and everything in between, and not have a sense of wonder!
I do have a confession though… my curiosity and imagination have gotten me in trouble more than once! But oh it was worth it every time! Have a blessed weekend, and thank you!
Page –
Good Stuff – Over thinking can really hinder our progress. So many times the best things do not make any sense at all – until you are on the other side.
Thanks for twisting the norm…
Jane
Jane, I know you deal with lots of people and organizations. Have you had to deal with this topic before, and if so, are there any practical recommendations you could offer to other leaders who are trying to stretch their team in this area?
And I’ve been called twisted pretty regularly too… 🙂