From the book (Think and Grow Rich) by Napoleon Hill (Page 93)
The imaginative faculty functions in two forms. One is known “synthetic imagination,” and the other as “creative imagination.”
SYNTHETIC IMAGINATION:—Through this faculty, one may arrange old concepts, ideas, or plans into new combinations. This faculty creates nothing. It merely works with the material of ex- perience, education, and observation with which it is fed. It is the faculty used most by the inventor, with the exception of the who draws upon the creative imagination, when he cannot solve his problem through synthetic imagination.
CREATIVE IMAGINATION:—Through the faculty of creative imagination, the finite mind of man has direct communication with Infinite Intelligence. It is the faculty through which “hunches” and “inspirations” are received. It is by this faculty that all basic, or new ideas are handed over to man.
Why second guess yourself?
Yesterday I had at least 3 conversations with 3 different people that “second guessed” themselves in a situation; four if I include the conversation that I had with myself. I’ve noticed that some of the most SMARTEST & CREATIVE people that I know tend to “second guess” themselves a lot.
I can’t speak for anyone but myself, but sometimes I’ll have a great idea or thought come to me, and then instead of Entering Action With Boldness, I’ll allow my SYNTHETIC IMAGINATION take control; meaning that I’ll allow experiences from the past make me second guess myself.
Of course we’re supposed to learn from our mistakes, but as Henry Ford said: “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” Depending on how BIG the failure, I think it’s wise to stay clear of certain things. On the other hand, we might want to keep in mind that the failure may have come from a simple mistake or bad timing. If this is the case, our “hunch” just might be our connection with Infinite Intelligence telling us that “the time is right” or “try it like this”.
Knowing that we have two types of Imagination might help us to “second guess” ourselves less. Although it’s hard not to “second guess” ourselves in today’s society (because of so many judgemental people lurking around every corner), I think that we should practice “stepping out on faith” more often without worrying about what others are going to think and rolling with that “hunch”.
~Matthew
Food for thought…
Instead of asking ourselves what will happen if this doesn’t work, try asking what will happen if this DOES work?