Last weekend’s family film of choice was ‘Big’. We’re trawling through 80’s classics. Some have aged better than others (did people really used to smoke that much in films?).

Besides being a bit freaked out by the Zoltar machine, the messages & lessons of ‘Big’ spoke to me at this stage in my life, like they hadn’t done many years ago.

As adults, we often find ourselves caught up in the monotony of daily life, weighed down by responsibilities and deadlines. We may look back wistfully at our childhood, longing for the carefree days of boundless imagination and limitless possibilities, but rarely act on these thoughts.

Is something drummed out of us by society to stop us from thinking this way, or is it just life and getting older? Whatever, ‘Big’ served as a powerful reminder of the incredible potential that lies within ourselves to unleash fresh ideas and innovative approaches. Some things spring to mind…

I still haven’t found what I’m looking for

Kids have an insatiable curiosity that propels them to explore the world with unbridled enthusiasm. They ask endless questions, challenge conventional wisdom (or see through my bullsh*t answers), and are unafraid to try new things.

At MVMNT, we try to foster this curiosity within ourselves and our team.

By continuously seeking knowledge, asking thought-provoking questions, and challenging existing norms, we can uncover unique insights and discover innovative solutions for those we serve.

I want to break free

In ‘Big’, the main character, Josh, finds himself in the body of an adult overnight. However, he retains his childlike perspective, allowing him to approach life with uninhibited imagination. Similarly, as professionals, we often have self-imposed limitations and restrict our thinking to what is deemed practical or achievable. By stepping outside these boundaries, we can tap into our inner child and explore uncharted territories, leading to breakthrough ideas and strategies.

Play in the sunshine

Children have an inherent ability to infuse playfulness into everything they do. Their imagination turns the mundane into extraordinary adventures, igniting their creativity and joy. Speaking from an agency perspective, incorporating playfulness into our work can have transformative effects. By creating an environment that encourages experimentation, play, and humour, we foster a sense of joy and innovation. This not only enhances team collaboration but also injects a refreshing vitality into our creative outputs.

I got you babe

One of my mantras (yawn yawn) is to try and to put myself in someone else’s shoes and see the world through different perspectives. I see this every day in my own children, empathy fuels their storytelling and imaginative play, allowing them to connect deeply with others. Again relating to what I do, in the realm of brand strategy, empathy is equally crucial. By empathising with our clients and their target audiences, we can develop authentic and meaningful brand experiences that resonate on a profound level.

So what’s the point of this? Should we look to appoint our children as special advisors to our businesses? Probably not…but maybe there’s a perfect combo of everything we’ve learned throughout the years – our business acumen, with a sprinkle of imagination and playfulness. And, a little less cynicism and world-weariness.

Who knows what ideas your inner children have that could be the next exciting venture for your businesses. It might be time to listen to what they have to say, even if it just getting out of your stuffy office (or home) for the afternoon to go to the park.

Sod it – go and play!

If you’re in need of a little different thinking about your brand, give us a shout. We can help you tell your story properly.