GUEST POST from Ayelet Baron

A CEO’s recent request for a workshop on Thinking Like a Futurist got me thinking. We all have the power to engage with the unknown and be active players in shaping our future.

Imagine being invited to attend an interactive workshop where you bring an item—real or conceptual—that might shape life two decades from now. What’s your “future artifact”?

Thinking like a futurist is not a guessing game. We become navigators with a vast imagination and curiosity. We observe, consider possible scenarios, and ask what it means for us. It’s about connecting today’s reality with a horizon full of opportunities; not problems to be solved.

We do more than just talk about the future. We connect with people from different backgrounds to get a full view of what’s coming. The goal is to highlight futures that make us want to be a part of them right away.

Being a futurist isn’t just about thinking; we spark action. We highlight opportunities that need our focus now, setting the stage for a healthy future for everyone. We lead in a way that combines tech with our human side. First comes our purpose, and the rest falls into place.

If life doesn’t improve for people, it won’t be because our machines are too smart or not smart enough. It will be because we quit dreaming big. If we ever stop imagining and creating, then we’re no different from machines.

Navigators of Possibilities

Business landscapes are evolving at a dizzying pace. The old playbooks no longer work and structures are falling apart. This is especially true when tech and systems mess with our mental health and keep unconscious leaders in place.

The way forward? Craft vibrant visions of the future and dive headfirst into experimentation. We’re not confined to notions of success or failure; it’s about exploring what comes to life when ideas turn into tangible creations that suppprt our wellbeing.

Being a futurist helps you see the big picture. Looking at many kinds of work and gathering ideas makes our view of the future richer. Waiting to see what the future brings? That’s like missing out on life.

We can take charge. When we know different ways the future could go, we can change course. Even if something unexpected happens, we’re ready for playing with the mystery of the unknown.

So why not envision a world where we’re all futurists? A world where we don’t dwell in the past but engage fully with the present, piloting new possibilities right here, right now.

Imagination is our window into the future. Advancing the edge of possibility means that someday, with our contributions, these visions of the future can become a reality.

Maybe each one of us in not only an architect of the future but also is here to be an architect of our own humanity.

Architects shape more than just buildings; they shape experiences. They create parks that invite community gatherings, libraries that become havens for thought, and community centers that encourage social bonds.

As an architect of humanity, we know what’s healthy and unhealthy for us so we create a healthy life.

Let’s focus on creating a future that nurtures our humanity, supports our values, and deepens our connections with each other. Opening doors wide to our future is crucial to thinking like a futurist.

Think a Futurist could help your organization thrive? Reach out to dive deeper into possibilities …

First published, 9.21.23 Daily Trek.

Image credit: Pexels

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