Imagination is often viewed as a tool for creativity and problem-solving, but its power goes far beyond daydreams and storytelling. Substantial research has demonstrated that events we experience in our imagination can feel startlingly real due to the brain’s processing mechanisms. For futures thinkers, this insight offers a profound opportunity: the ability to use our imaginations not just to dream about better futures but to prepare for them—and for the challenges they may bring.
The Brain’s Vivid Simulation Mechanism
One of the primary reasons imagined events feel real is that the brain engages similar neural pathways when imagining an event as it does when experiencing it. A study by the University of Lyon found that imagining a physical activity, such as playing the piano, activates motor-related brain regions almost as strongly as performing the activity itself (Guillot et al., 2009). Futures thinkers can leverage this capacity to rehearse potential actions and decisions in imagined futures, effectively “practising” for scenarios before they arise.
Imagination and Sensory Overlap
The overlap between imagined and real experiences is not limited to motor functions. Studies on visualisation show that imagining a vivid scene—a sunset, for instance—activates the brain’s visual cortex. Research from Stanford University revealed that the brain encodes the vividness of perceived and imagined stimuli similarly (Naselaris et al., 2015). Futures thinking workshops often use these principles to immerse participants in possible future scenarios, creating vivid mental simulations that enable deeper emotional and cognitive engagement with what could lie ahead.
Memory and Reality Confusion
The brain often struggles to distinguish between memories of real events and imagined ones. In a study published in the journalCognition, researchers found that participants frequently confused imagined events with memories of actual experiences (Goff & Roediger, 1998). While this might sound problematic, it also points to the potential of imagination to embed new narratives about the future. By vividly imagining a positive future, individuals and organisations can internalise these visions, making them feel more achievable and actionable.
Emotional Resonance of Imagined Futures
Emotions play a crucial role in the realism of imagined experiences. When we imagine a joyful or distressing event, the brain’s limbic system—responsible for emotional processing—is activated. Research conducted at the University of California, Berkeley, demonstrated that imagining emotionally charged scenarios, such as a wedding or a public speaking failure, triggers similar emotional and physiological responses as living through the actual event (Ochsner et al., 2009). For futures thinkers, this emotional resonance can help build empathy for the people and challenges of tomorrow, fostering more inclusive and compassionate strategies.
Preparing for Positive and Less Positive Futures
Understanding how imagination works enables us to simulate not only aspirational futures but also less desirable ones. Guided by the principle of “premortems,” organisations can imagine potential failures and challenges before they occur, identifying strategies to mitigate them. Likewise, visualising positive futures can instil a sense of agency and direction, making it easier to mobilise resources and commitment toward achieving desired outcomes.
References
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Guillot, A., Collet, C., Nguyen, V. A., Malouin, F., Richards, C., & Doyon, J. (2009). Brain activity during visual versus kinesthetic imagery: An fMRI study.Human Brain Mapping, 30(7), 2157-2172.
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Naselaris, T., Olman, C. A., Stansbury, D. E., Ugurbil, K., & Gallant, J. L. (2015). A voxel-wise encoding model for the early visual cortex.NeuroImage, 56(3), 931-939.
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Goff, L. M., & Roediger, H. L. (1998). Imagination inflation for action events: Repeated imaginings lead to illusory recollections.Memory & Cognition, 26(1), 20-33.
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Ochsner, K. N., Bunge, S. A., Gross, J. J., & Gabrieli, J. D. E. (2009). Rethinking feelings: An fMRI study of the cognitive regulation of emotion.Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 14(8), 1215-1229.