"عِش من خيالك بدلاً من ذاكرتك."

Imagine you're back in school, trying to decide what to do with your life. You're stuck between choosing a path that feels safe and one that excites you. The core idea here is to let your dreams and creativity guide you, rather than being held back by past experiences or fears. Instead of replaying old tapes in your head about what you’ve done or haven’t done, think about what you could do. It's about being driven by possibilities rather than limitations.

This idea, "Live out of your imagination instead of out of your memory," is often attributed to Stephen Covey, a prominent author and speaker on personal development. He emphasized the importance of proactive living — creating a future based on your dreams and aspirations rather than the confines of your past. Covey’s work became particularly popular in the late 20th century when traditional career paths were being questioned, and people were encouraged to think differently about their lives and potentials.

Take, for example, J.K. Rowling, the creator of Harry Potter. Before she became a world-renowned author, she was a single mother living on welfare, struggling to make ends meet. If she had allowed her difficult past to dictate her future, she might have given up on her writing dreams. Instead, she used her imagination to craft a magical world that captivated millions. She didn't let her past struggles define her. Instead, she envisioned a different future and worked towards it relentlessly. Her story is a powerful testament to the idea of living out of your imagination.

So, how can you apply this wisdom to your own life? Start by identifying areas where you feel stuck. Are you making decisions based on past failures or fears? We all do it to some extent. The trick is to catch yourself when you do. Next, take some time to dream — really dream — about what you want your life to look like. Don’t worry if it seems far-fetched. Write it down. Create a vision board. Talk about it with friends who support your dreams. The more you immerse yourself in your envisioned future, the more likely you are to take steps toward it.

Now, consider a relatable scenario. Think about a friend, we'll call him Alex. Alex always wanted to start a bakery. But he once burned a batch of cookies at a family gathering, and ever since, he’s convinced he’s no good at baking. He’s been stuck in a job he doesn’t love, feeling unfulfilled. One day, after a particularly rough day at work, he sits down and imagines what it would be like to own a small bakery. He envisions the smell of fresh bread, the smile on customers’ faces, and the satisfaction of creating delicious treats. Inspired by this vision, Alex decides to start small. He begins baking on weekends, trying new recipes, and sharing them with friends. Slowly but surely, his confidence grows. He’s living out of his imagination, not his memory of a burnt batch of cookies.

In the end, it's about shifting your perspective. Sure, memories have their place — they teach us valuable lessons. But if you want to create something new and exciting in your life, let your imagination lead the way. Dream big, take small steps, and before you know it, you’ll be living a life that once only existed in your mind. That’s the power of imagination over memory.