You have probably all heard that it is quantity of ideas that is more important when investigating or exploring a new avenue. In other words, related and unrelated ideas are all important at this stage. It is then -- as you begin to sort, categorize, meld, piggyback, and organize all those comments and ideas into some kind of order -- that a stronger semblance of quality emerges. This is a good time to practice infamous reporter (or 4 year old) questions of: who, what, why, when, where, and how.

I've been on task force teams that had good sense to bring in "outsiders" who weren't involved with project in any way because they didn't come in with preconceived notions. They listened and then added ideas based upon their experience and expertise. Also - since they had no personal stake in outcome and no rivalry with other members - they felt more free to toss out "wild ideas" that might trigger thoughts for those more intimately involved.

If you've really been open, a new solution may pop out and you know it's what you need to get moving. So get started and add on from there. You start to cull from other ideas to add depth and width to project. This is when finesse shines through.

Other times, challenge to figure out what needs to happen next takes a bit longer. That's good too. This gives your brain more time to digest and mix with all other knowledge you have stored. Applying pressure at this point can be detrimental. As long as you give yourself time to consider other angles, this is when some of best breakthroughs will appear in your subconscious and/or conscious mind. It's from this point that many people get their a-ha's, gut feelings, or dawn of realization solutions.

Let intuitive and rational be partners. The voice of our own "genius" can only be heard if you are listening for it. It's okay and actually necessary to allow some emotional feelings to come through. This can be difficult due to cultural, social, and family upbringing. Those hunches, light bulb coming on in mind, and casual or serious observations of what goes on around you allow you to exploit opportunities to "birth" new ideas almost instinctively.

Why should you cultivate your imagination and intuition? Because it helps you to be open to "acting on impulse". These thinking styles draw from your storehouse of knowledge, skills, and talents. The subconscious mind holds even more treasures just waiting to be found, opened, and used to your benefit. Let these attributes act as a springboard to normal functioning of your brain's capabilities. Value and nurture them regularly.

In reality, achieving those "yes!!" moments is due to an already extensive familiarity with topic. You're permitting yourself to consider all possibilities from a variety of sources and resources. And, you are trusting yourself to know that whatever you have been seeking is there for taking right now. I encourage you to peek around corner and look over edge - you might be pleasantly surprised at what you discover.

It's not really magic - unless you consider all of life to be a magically wonderful rainbow-colored, pot-of-gold seeking adventure! Now that's an imaginative picture and my intuition tells me it's time to go out and play!

IMAGINATION Use it to be creative with today's tasks and future goals. Consider your natural talents and skills to make decisions based on what you want for yourself. You can make future just about anything you want it to be by today's choices.

DARE TO DREAM and DESIRE If you want something strongly enough, you will find a way to make it happen. Belief in yourself, ask for help, networking, and setting goals are methods to use. Make a "story board" with pictures or sayings to remind yourself of what you're aiming for.

GET GOING. Repetition causes boredom which leads to fatigue which inhibits growth and enthusiasm. If we don't move forward, we don't get anywhere new. We can't learn anything from experiences we aren't having.

ENERGY, ENTHUSIASM, and EXCITEMENT Doesn't day seem to go by easier when you have a positive outlook? Achieving what you want in your life is more obtainable with these attributes and attitudes. As bad as any single day might seem, find something to be grateful for in it. If nothing else, you're still alive to try again tomorrow.

Using BRIDGE system, your self-confidence and self-esteem will naturally increase. Others will want to know your "secret". Success will be more likely to become a major force in your life.