Make It Up Fact or Fiction? Gathering all the facts is the first step to solving a problem, however as I stated last time: Don’t stop there (See: How Could It Go Right?). For any goal or desired outcome that hasn’t yet come to fruition, balance your pragmatic side with a healthy dose of fiction. If something you’re after feels too big to be real or simply unlikely, make up a story about how it could happen. The story might be a little “out there” or could actually feel plausible to you. All that matters is that you make it up. What's the Point? This fiction writing exercise is part of the Now What?® program1 and initially, people often say it feels foreign. After all, the last time you were instructed to write a fictitious story may have been in sixth grade. Yet engaging your imagination in this way can be a short cut to solving problems and to noticing opportunities that have previously been disguised. The reason for writing fiction isn't necessarily to have the scenario happen literally, but very often the story will underscore something for you, bringing some information to the surface about what you desire or informing you of a new approach to take. Whether your made-up story happens in real life or not, it can open you to possibility. Write the Script What challenge is on your mind? An initiative you’re leading? A job² you’d like to have? A potentially difficult conversation that you hope will go well? Name your desired outcome and make up a story about how it could happen. If this were a scene in a movie that you could write, direct, and produce, how would it go?
Tips:
Warning: Writing fiction may result in talking to yourself out loud or smiling for no reason. Should this happen and if met with an inquisitive look, just say: “Oh nothing, I was just thinking of something.” “Life isn’t a science. We make it up as we go.” Here's to you, Notes: ²Read this recent post from the Now What?® Coaching Blog, in which Laura provides a great example of writing fiction and describes how it impacted one CFO's job search. |
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