Daydreaming in Business: The Importance of Rediscovering Your Childhood

As a young child what did you daydream about?  What are your first fond memories of childhood?

As a young girl, I was always drawn to the riverfront. I would ride my bike down to the river and gaze at the Detroit skyline. I would sit by myself for an hour or so. I would feel the grass between my feet. I would look at the tall buildings across the way. I could hear the freightliner sounding it's horn and watch the birds in the sky.  Imagine a 10 year old sitting by themselves just dreaming and staring off at the skyline for over an hour. No other friends. Just me and all the other people off in the short distance walking by. It makes me recognize my independence today. I am more productive when in solitude but love to be surrounded by interesting and loving people.   I tend to travel and live in places close to water and with beautiful tall buildings surrounding me. It's a combination of architecture mixed in with nature. For me I choose places such as New York or Waikiki. Others may prefer Easter Island or Machu Picchu. I must have a view of a city skyline and lots of people around for the energy! I also grew up in a dance studio and that was my 'play' place. Music, costumes, learning new steps, movement and lots of people around me in the classroom. Yes, I always preferred the solo routines on stage with the bright blinding spotlight. Nobody but me, my music, a spotlight and a loving audience surrounding me with love.

I share this memory with you because of late, I have noticed my clients are completely stumped by my first two basic questions that I ask them:
1) What is the vision of your business and why do you want it to be successful?
2) What was it that you wanted to be when you were a younger person and why did you not pursue that dream?

Some are in businesses that do not hold true to their authentic self. Others are in businesses they think they 'should' do.
Even as I write this today, more of my own memories flood my mind and I recognize how much more of what I do today is reflective of my childhood.

After reading the next questions, I want you to think of what brought you joy and take 5 minutes daydreaming and 30 minutes to write down those memories. I want you to think about your favourite place to play when you were a child.  Were you alone or were you with many friends?  Did you sit back on a couch and read a book by yourself or were you playing stick ball on the streets with all of your friends. Were you the leader? Were you the instigator? Did you prefer to have others to take centre stage? What was it that  you wanted to be when you grew up? What did you do on a daily or weekly basis that brought you joy?

Ready!...Now sit back, close your eyes and remember those fond childhood memories. Afterwards ask yourself what you can do to bring more of that into your business and life.

To your success,
Floydilou

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