Juggling between Practicality and Imagination

Steve Jobs says, “With your imagination, you can change the world.” Psychology divides the mind into two areas: the conscious and subconscious mind. The conscious mind is responsible for analyzing, thinking, making plans, and short-term memory. Whereas the subconscious mind goes beyond learning new skills, It involves processing information and affects our every thought. We make decisions based on our learning from past experiences. Our opinions are influenced by biases, emotions, reasons, and memories. We measure the benefits and costs of our choices and cope with the consequences. Thus, decision-making involves a mix of intuition and rational thinking.

We humans keep juggling between the worlds of practicality and imagination. Our imaginative abilities underpin our creative ideas. Rarely, does the world within us align with the outer world. Whenever struck with a problem, we tend to analyze it at our level. Practicality is largely in the domain of decisions and behavior. In contrast, imagination is in the domain of thought and speculation. When we think of creativity, we seek ideas that are outside the box, but at times it is beneficial to have practical solutions that can be efficiently implemented. Doesn’t it limit the range within which we function? 

Must we think that an artist has to rely only on imagination? Can it be said that when you look at an investor, all she needs are theories and data? These two things will not take them anywhere. Consequently, artists should perceive their work practically, just as investors may act on hunches at times. Hence, these two forces are not necessarily at odds. When balanced correctly, they can complement each other.

Creativity is to find unique solutions to our problems and break the conventional outlook. Today’s fast-paced world needs creative minds to run it. As it drives innovation and progress. But without practicality, these creative ideas would remain mere concepts. We need practical approaches to execute them at ground level. The struggle lies in finding the perfect balance between the two, with them being the two sides of the same coin. The challenge comes in trying to combine these two, which are synonymous terms. Entirely focusing on creativity can lead to unrealistic and unattainable goals, subsequently wasting resources and time. Conversely, an overemphasis on practicality can limit potential breakthroughs that drive progress.

Consider, for example, the process of scientific discovery. Practicality guides researchers to carefully design experiments, collect data, and draw conclusions based on empirical evidence. Yet, it is imagination that sparks the initial hypothesis, that dares to question the status quo, and that leads scientists down uncharted paths of exploration. In this way, practicality and imagination work hand in hand, each lending its strengths to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.

Rather than trying to make a business idea fit the market, it should leave room for innovation by considering the needs of the market. Profitability can be achieved while ensuring that the industry is influenced in a sustainable manner. So, let your imagination run wild, anchored within realism. Practicality and imagination are connected by a fine line. One boosts the progress of another or halts the growth entirely. A person should recognize that reality is the foremost truth and that it is essential to live actively in today's world. It helps you make planned decisions and saves you from regretful decisions. However, a touch of imagination in making your decision a success is important.

The dynamic balance between practicality and imagination is a key part of being human. It helps us navigate life's challenges, chase our dreams, and influence the world. Embracing both practicality and imagination allows us to overcome obstacles, tap into our creativity, and move towards a better tomorrow.

- Dipti Rathod