Daydreaming or Fantasizing

Daydreaming is a term that was used by Jerome L. Singer whose research programs reportedly formed the foundation for much subsequent research. There is no consistent definition of daydreaming. Some describe is as “dreaming while awake,” musing or lost in thought. It can be one of the best ways to engage your imagination for creative solutions and inspiration. Used constructively, especially creatively, there are great benefits—many of which underlay wonderful inventions. Mismanaged, especially to imagine personal benefits that are highly unlikely if not outright ridiculous, there can be enormous negative costs. That’s where fantasizing can get you in trouble, imagining completely unrealistic ideas (e.g., a live unicorn will be your next birthday present, Oprah Winfrey will suddenly hand you thirty million dollars, an actor you have seen in movies will leave his or her partner and seek you out, or you seriously overspend because you fantasize winning an upcoming lottery).