Music has always been a huge influence on my life, but science fiction has always been right next to it. My childhood was shaped by big screen adventures such as Star Wars and Star Trek. I was sad when I heard of Leonard Nimoy’s passing last week. (I might have shed a few tears.)
It also made me think about why stories of the future – near and far – have always had such an impact on me. I think that there is a power in science fiction that can’t be found in other genres; it gives your mind practice in asking a most important question: “What if?” That question, translated into the mundane world, is the beginning of all personal and social change. “What if I were more effective in my communication?” “What if I responded to fear differently?” “What if we were able to find a new way to power cars?”
You don’t have to be a Trekkie or sci-fi nerd to work on your creativity, but I encourage you to sometimes look beyond non-fiction books and training videos for your professional development. You can find inspiration anywhere. What are your favorite “non-business” influences for professional learning and growth?