About this quote

Most people wait for permission before they sketch an idea or say it out loud. New results usually start when someone allows a silly or half-baked thought to exist and then takes one small step to test it. Try a simple rule: spend ten minutes jotting one idea and then pick the smallest action to try this week. Expect awkward attempts; use them to learn which ideas are worth a second try. Want a place to begin? Tell one person the idea and schedule the first tiny step.

When to use it

• At a product brainstorm: 'If you don't imagine, nothing ever happens at all' — okay, let's each draft one ridiculous feature and pick one to prototype this week.
• During a college writing lab when a student keeps deleting drafts: 'If you don't imagine, nothing ever happens at all' — just hand in the messy page and we'll fix it together.
• While planning a new fitness routine with your coach: 'If you don't imagine, nothing ever happens at all' — imagine one workout you can actually do and we'll schedule it.
• Talking to a shy teen about auditions: 'If you don't imagine, nothing ever happens at all' — go to the open rehearsal and decide after you try it.