Draw your future | Patti Dobrowolski | TEDxRainier

Summary

This inspirational talk emphasizes the power of visualization in transforming dreams into reality. Using storytelling, the speaker highlights how drawing a picture of one's current state and desired future can serve as a roadmap for change. By activating creativity and imagination, individuals can overcome internal critics, identify bold steps, and take action towards their goals. With references to brain science and practical steps, the message encourages people to believe in their dreams, visualize them vividly, and pursue them with determination. The talk challenges the audience to dream big and act boldly.

Takeaways

• 😊 A solitary fantasy can transform a million realities, as quoted from Maya Angelou.
• 💡 Visualizing dreams is essential for turning them into reality. Drawing where you are and where you want to be creates a roadmap for change.
• 🎨 Using imagination and creativity helps bypass the critic side of the brain, opening up possibilities for change.
• 💼 Joe represents many people who are comfortable but desire more from life, whether it be a new job, boss, or a sense of purpose.
• 🧠 Activating the brain's right side through drawing and dreaming boosts happiness, creativity, and a sense of capability.
• 🌈 Emotions and color are key to making dreams come alive, filling the desired new reality with excitement and vision.
• 🚶‍♂️ Taking bold steps, as identified by the brain, leads to progress. It knows the right solutions based on all past experiences.
• 🔍 The brain makes guesses about the world and can guess the boldest steps needed to achieve your vision.
• 🏆 It's crucial to act on your vision daily, even if it's just one small step, such as asking a friend or seeking advice.
• 💪 A compelling vision drives action and can lead to significant life changes by keeping the desire for transformation front and center.

Q & A

What is the main message of the speaker in this transcript?

The main message of the speaker is that we can transform our lives and achieve our dreams by visualizing them, believing in them, and acting on them. By using tools like drawing pictures of our desired reality, we can activate creativity and break through mental barriers that keep us from making changes.

Why does the speaker emphasize drawing a picture of the current and desired states?

The speaker emphasizes drawing a picture because it engages the right side of the brain, which fosters creativity and possibility. Visualizing the current and desired states through images helps the brain process change more effectively and creates a tangible road map for achieving goals.

What role does the left side of the brain play in this process?

The left side of the brain houses the 'critic'—the part that tries to keep us safe by discouraging risk and new behaviors. The speaker suggests 'tricking' the left brain by framing the process as imaginative and creative, thus bypassing the critical resistance.

How does the speaker suggest you overcome fear or hesitation when taking bold steps?

The speaker advises drawing a picture that is so compelling that staying in the current state becomes uncomfortable and painful, while the new reality feels exciting and fulfilling. This emotional contrast helps overcome fear and pushes you to take action.

Why does the speaker refer to the statistic of '9 to 1' in terms of making life changes?

The '9 to 1' statistic refers to the high odds against people making significant changes in their lives, even in life-threatening situations. The speaker uses this to highlight how difficult change can be but also to show that with the right strategies, like visualization, these odds can be beaten.

What specific benefits does the brain receive when drawing and visualizing, according to the speaker?

According to the speaker, drawing and visualizing release chemicals like serotonin and oxytocin in the brain, which make you feel happy, capable, and creative. This mental and emotional state supports motivation and helps you take action toward your goals.

How does the speaker suggest leveraging the brain's natural abilities to figure out bold steps for change?

The speaker suggests that since the brain has cataloged everything you've seen, heard, or imagined, you can close your eyes and ask it to generate the boldest steps for change. The brain will synthesize information and offer solutions if you allow it to creatively process the situation.

What example does the speaker use to explain the process of visualizing and making changes?

The speaker uses the example of 'Joe,' a person who has a good job and life but desires more. By drawing a picture of his current state and desired future, Joe is able to visualize what he wants, engage his brain creatively, and take steps toward achieving his vision.

What is the importance of 'acting on the vision' according to the speaker?

Acting on the vision is crucial because it turns the ideas and dreams from the visualization into reality. The speaker stresses that each day you must do one small thing that brings you closer to your goal, such as seeking advice, asking for support, or making a bold move like asking for a raise.

How does the speaker encourage the audience to start applying these principles to their own lives?

The speaker encourages the audience to draw their own picture using a template provided, representing their current state and desired future. They are challenged to make this vision concrete by choosing a symbol for their dream, taking a picture of it, and beginning to act on it.