An Active Imagination

Learning New Tricks

“We’re doing twice the work we used to do and getting paid the same.”

“This new machine’s not as good as what we had before.”

Are these common refrains from your work environment? Although we’re all no doubt busy, I tend to find that the underlying issues have more to do with technological frustration and change more than most other factors.

Consider the first statement, which essentially addresses the “do more with less” argument. It is entirely true that nearly all of us are and are required to be more productive than we were 20 or even 10 years ago. Yet, look at the tools that are now at our disposal. Computer speeds are faster than ever. A single cell phone has more capability than the early computers that helped us land on the moon. Groceries and other goods are delivered to our doorsteps often within a day or even hours of ordering. Scientists developed an immunization for a threatening and sometimes deadly virus in less than a year, far exceeding our expected standards.

So yes, most of us are doing more than we used to do, yet with the aid of technology. If we are still where we were in 2001, we have simply not kept up.

Still, learning how to Zoom, text, or even email can be uncomfortable propositions for many. The reward for first tackling the challenge and then succeeding at it can be immensely rewarding.

In my work in college football, basketball, baseball, and softball for ESPN I provide statistical data and observations to the “on air” broadcasters during the course of a telecast. Basically the job description summary is to share information during an event that will enrich the production and allow the announcers to come across as even more informed and up to date than they already are.

Although sports has slowly made a return during Covid, the broadcasts are different. For one, there may or may not be fans in attendance. Further, the on air talent may not even be present, announcing from a room or basement in their home or some other venue. The same goes for me: out of the events I have been assigned and worked thus far in 2021 all have been from my home office in Florida.

I recall my very first remote production a few months back. Admittedly not as technically proficient as I would like to be, I was overwhelmed at how I was going to adapt, produce quality information, and communicate it effectively. From that experience, I developed a step-by-step formula that not only worked for me, but that I believe can apply to many of the challenges any of us face to make them seem not so intimidating. If I may share:

1. First of all be grateful that the powers that be have demonstrated the confidence in your abilities to entrust you with the responsibility. They may very well see or know some things that are not so readily apparent to you.

2. The long-time question and adage of “how do you eat an elephant?, “one bite at a time,” is very helpful. Break the project down into smaller increments.

3. Seek advice next from those who may have some experience with the same or a similar challenge.

4. Begin tackling the undertaking from the perspective of what you do know. For me that translates to studying game notes and statistics from a variety of websites and transferring that information into the format and tools with which I have most familiarity.

5. Next, tackle the technology options that are most comfortable. For me that is Zoom. In my instance it also meant acquiring two laptops to begin with—one for the live game broadcast and another in which to communicate notes specifically to on air talent.

6. A third laptop was then to be added to the equation in order to receive “live” or current statistical information.

7. Assure that internet connectivity is strong and that there is reliable back up, such as a cell phone “hot spot” in order to remedy a communications void.

8. Speaking of the cell phone, it plays a role in continuing to serve as a communication device, however, through an app that allows the ability to talk to the announcers and production truck, much like a headset at an on site event.

9. Finally take a deep breath, say a prayer, have a good show, and feel gratified that you did it.

Resourcefulness feels good. These sophisticated times of ours also provide a reminder that none of us are ever too old to learn new things. It is good for me to get a taste of obstacles similar to those I task to my coaching clients.

What is the new challenge that you’re going to take on?

The Seed Sower

An Active Imagination…More Than Just Child’s Play

March 4, 2026

Regardless of whether you’re a fan of Harry Potter you need to acknowledge the active imagination of author J.K. Rowlings. Who would have envisioned the concept of an academy for prospectively talented magicians? A sport called quidditch that is centered on a large oval pitch amidst three ring-shaped goals of different heights as witches and wizards compete upon broomsticks. The idea of “vaporized” transportation of oneself from an ordinary train station to Hogwarts.

Besides Ms. Rowlings consider other creative inventors. Cycle shop entrepreneurs Orville and Wilbur Wright retrofitted a bicycle with “wings” to provide lift for early-stage development of an airplane. Musician Neil Diamond crafted a hit song in 1967 in which he described an imaginary friend who was always there for him when either other kids would not play with him or his father couldn’t devote time. “Shilo” achieved top 20 status in 1970.

I believe that within many of us lies a craving to invent and innovate. Somewhere along the way, however, those dreams get short-circuited. Why? The lack of time is likely a culprit. Another one is fear—will my idea be accepted or worse criticized? What if the attempted innovation is an abject failure? Our own limiting beliefs also contribute, convincing us of our incapabilities.

An article by Farley Ledgerwood (an innovate native in and of itself) listed eight characteristics of those with an active imagination. He predicated his findings first with an overriding warning: do not fall prey to the skeptics critical of your daydreams and fantasies. Those outward behaviors are really the engines that drive creativity, problem-solving, and genuine happiness.

See how many of these conditions relate to you:

You can entertain yourself for hours without any external stimulation. Imaginative people don’t need constant entertainment. Give them a quiet room with their own thoughts, and they’re set for hours.

You see connections that others miss. You know a friend who always says “that reminds me of…” and then shares something that seems completely unrelated until they explain it? Might that be you?

You have vivid memorable dreams. Our dreams are not just random firings. They’re elaborate productions with plots and characters. You might even find yourself solving real problems or waking up with creative ideas that later will actually work.

Stories affect you deeply. When you read a book or watch a movie, you don’t just observe the story. You live it!

You mentally rehearse conversations and scenarios. Before any important conversation, how many times have you already rehearsed it in your head? Have you imagined every possible response, your rebuttal, and even what you will wear?

You have potential metaphors for response to every statement.

Boredom is a foreign concept. Even in the most mundane situations, your mind finds something interesting. Waiting in line at the DMV or TSA flight check in becomes an opportunity to people watch and create backstories.

You ask “what if” constantly. What if gravity worked backwards for just one second? What if people were born old and aged in reverse? What if my parents had never met? How would time travel work?

Aside from Mr. Ledgerwood’s list I included some conditions that might further stimulate imagination.

Movement. For me, physical movement seems to be critical to spark creativity. More arcane thoughts to come to me while either out cycling, or mowing grass. The creative juices of others may be just as well accomplished through mental movement such as reading a book, preparing a recipe, or reviewing family photographs.

Though budgetary constraints will prohibit you and your family from enjoying an extravagant annual vacation, where else might you enjoy a beautiful beach, high mountain peak, or cool stream, all within just a few hours from home.

Imagine not what you see or hear, but what is not evident. Empty train tracks suddenly become filled with a mélange of colors; an otherwise obscure roadway transforms into a bustling freeway, teeming with traffic.

Although you’re viewing a sporting event from the comfort of your own home, what if you were realty there. What would that not only look like, but what would be the smell of the hot dogs, peanuts, and popcorn being vended or the conversations of those seated near you?

Granted most of us are not gifted like a Michelangelo, Taylor Swift, or Meryl Streep, yet we each likely possess a certain indefinable something unique to us, our own secret sauce. What is yours? What’s something that you dream of doing? Where are you going to do it? What’s holding you back? When are you going to start?

The Seed Sower

WHAT CAN YOU DO IN 10 MIN

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

Planting seeds of confidence . . .

An Active Imagination…More Than Just Child’s Play

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WHAT CAN YOU DO IN 10 MIN

Kirk McCarley, The Seed Sower Coach

314-677-8779