What Kanye Can Teach us About Imagination

I just got done watching the jeen-yuhs documentary of Kanye West on Netflix. West’s friend, Coodie, mainly filmed it and was also an executive producer of the doc.

There are many themes in the movie; Mental health, friendships, family, persistence, belief, faith, etc.

As a mindset coach, the lesson that stood out was imagination. Kanye’s vision took him from very humble beginnings and obscurity to being one of the most successful and recognizable people on the planet.

Much has been made of Kanye’s erratic behavior from the Hurricane Katrina Telethon to the Taylor Swift debacle to his 2020 Presidency announcement, and too many more instances to mention here.

This isn’t a Kanye fan post. I like the bulk of his music. I respect his persistence and belief in himself, especially when he sought to make his mark in the world.

This writing isn’t about any of that; it’s about the power of imagination.

Mid 20th-century teacher Neville Goddard referred to the imagination as Jesus Christ. As a Christian, when I first heard that, it made me feel uneasy, I’m not going to lie.

But the more I studied Neville’s work and observed many geniuses break through the noise, the more I saw what he meant.

Imagination can indeed save you.

It can save you from a job you despise; it can save you from poverty, a terminal diagnosis, a life of loneliness, and many other things.

God (I believe) gives us all imagination because we aren’t born with the same advantages. Some people start with many opportunities and connections; some start life with nothing in poverty.

There has to be a way to level the playing field for everyone so we all get a shot at life.

Imagination is one of the ways to level the field for us all.

A child with no connections, pedigree, or money can use their imagination to create something that they can sell worldwide.

We know that.

What if you were born in a good family or neighborhood but without a gift. It doesn’t matter. You have an imagination, one of the greatest gifts we all have.

You can create the life you want no matter how screwed up it is right now.

Kanye is an example of someone who uses his imagination at all pro levels. He understands how to use it like no other person I’ve seen and has created a life like no other.

West has entered the realm of athletic sportswear, fashion, and housewares. He’s made a gospel album on top of the millions of records he’s sold as a rapper.

Ye can invade any space because of his imagination and his ability to use it to benefit himself and others around him.

If you’re going to take away anything from the documentary or Kanye the person, take away the essential nature of imagination.

I think some people see imagination as a luxury; in a world where we have pandemics, economic slowdowns, toxic work environments, social injustices on many fronts and problems (both long-standing and emerging), imagination is necessary.

How else are we going to navigate an ever changing and challenging world? We need more people to use their imagination to create solutions.

You might say, “The world isn’t my problem; I have my own issues. I need a job; I need clients; I need to get out of debt, improve my health, pull myself out of depression, find a partner, etc.”

I understand, but imagination is the key to that, too.

We have the power to create our happiness. Read that again.

We can create a new life for ourselves.

Think of it this way. Save yourself, then help others save themselves.

No matter how big it is or how long you’ve had it, any problem you have is no match for your imagination.

That is a power we all have.