This is a pretty cloudy subject, but one of the things I love about our TBM community is that so many people are working on big, life-changing projects (even if they don’t seem that big at first). Everyone is so creative! I’m in a few Facebook groups too and when I see posts about cool things that people are dreaming up, I get really excited. I recently started a new project myself (I know, another!?), so having big ideas is on my mind.
The tough part when you’re a creative soul is settling on one idea/project/passion. Being an idea person (that phrase sounds so marketing-y but I mean the opposite!), you want to dive in wholeheartedly with everything you do – which Jenn explained here. A few months ago I was struggling with this as I kept having so many things I wanted to pursue (start a journaling community, make a new website, collaborate with friends, revamp the blog, the list goes on). I did a few of these and in the process realized exactly what it IS that makes an idea “the one”. Here’s what I learned:
It’s more than an idea to you
This is helpful when you find so many passions worth following. You have to think of it in terms of not just an idea, but something you really want to commit and spend you’re time cultivating. You’re able to think about the short term and the long term, even if it’s not all figured out quite yet.
Your community affirms your idea
When you tell your friends or partner about your plan or project, they don’t just say it’s a good idea, they get how it’s a good idea for you. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying everyone will support you – you really can’t expect people to be as passionate about an idea as you are (it’s perfect for you, not them, after all), but having the people that know you best affirm something that’s been rolling around in your head can help you determine whether it’s an idea worth devoting YOUR time to, or just a good idea.
It solves a problem *YOU* want to solve
Going off of that last point – we’ve all had ideas that we know would improve the world or just make life easier. So the first step is yes, solving a problem – that’s how you know it’s viable, that there’s demand for your solution. You also have to want to be the one who presents that solution, who puts it out there. Otherwise you’ll lose interest and motivation. If you don’t have both the solution and the drive to pursue the solution, it’s probably best that someone else (which Elizabeth Gilbert talks quite a lot about in Big Magic, if you haven’t read) comes along and pursues the idea just how it should be.
It doesn’t just represent you in one way, but many ways
I’ve talked to a lot of people (especially when stressed) about how perhaps I should just stop taking on projects and focus on a few things (not like, 20). Totally great advice, especially since humans aren’t hardwired for multitasking. At the same time, this process of repeatedly biting off (almost) more than I could chew is what’s led me to bigger and better pursuits, those that fit me better. I’ve found that if an idea or project combines several of my passions/interests, as well as skills and talents, it’s likely worth it – in fact, it’s what I need to do. It’s not just fitting in one way, but perfect in many, if it stretches me beyond just writing or just crafting or just X… You get the idea.
Would love to hear the projects you’re working on or dreaming up as we speak! Do tell :)
PS If you’re working on goal setting right now, download our free worksheet!
Sam says
Love this! I usually kind of ask the followers on Twitter using the poll option to see what they want to read and post those over the ones that don’t get many votes. Also, if something is really important to me, I post it!
S .x http://ramblingsofayoungprgirl.blogspot.com/2016/04/5-time-of-month-struggles.html
Brooklyn W. says
I’m dreaming about how cool it would be to be a blogger for a living. Hehe! Definately not thinking about it seriously right now, since I’m in the middle of school for Health Information Management, but it’s in the back of my mind. ;)
Any tips on how to make my blog better? latidoblog.weebly.com
Kyah says
Love these tips, very thought-provoking. I’ve had an idea for the last few months that I think about often and really want to make happen when I get the time so this affirmed I should definitely try.
Kyah / http://www.weekendtempo.com