If you're anything like me, new ideas run through your brain constantly.
Sometimes, we come across a true gem that we just can't stop thinking about - because it's Brill! Come on, you know what I'm talking about.
Constant brainstorming, rapid note taking, and visions of success are all symptoms of this sort of "genius moment".
I obsess, can't think of anything else, skip meals, get sweaty palms...
and sometimes other symptoms as well.
I have visions of grandeur, best case scenario, maximum outcome positive thoughts.
But then, a few days later or even a month or so the motivation behind the spectacular grand idea just seems to die and never evolves into the next step.
Or you bounce the idea off of a realist and they bring you back down to earth, outlining sometimes in detail why it won't work.
Sometimes, it's not even subtle they just poke your big balloon with a giant pin and you feel like crying.
OK maybe you don't feel like crying but I often do.
Then the evil voice inside my head starts in on it and viciously tears apart any good that I could have ever imagined was in that stupid idea.
I am my own worst critic, and am a confessed self defeatist.
It's rather sad, because some of those ideas are serious money-making material.
If we can get a grasp on why we do this cycle over and over, we can escape the cycle and build momentum taking things to the next level.
So, here are 5 reasons why the ideas in our head ends up in our own slush pile: 1.
We Don't See Any Immediate Results Let's face it we have become a microwave generation.
In fact the microwave just isn't fast enough anymore.
Instant messaging, drive through orders, instant search on google, it's what we are used to.
Ideas take time to grow.
Quitting or giving up before there's even a bud on the vine is a guaranteed way to kill great idea.
Remember what your goals are and why you were so excited about your idea in the first place.
One trick I learned is to make a road map.
Brainstorm, mind map whatever you call it.
Get it down, and out of your head.
Create an outline, a business plan whatever it takes to see what it takes to make the idea become a plan.
Write down the steps it will take to get to where you want to go.
You'll see you're only in the beginning phases of the entire process.
But, seeing the rest of your "roadmap" (including your goal) on paper will give you the boost you need to keep going.
2.
Uncertain What To Do Next This happens all of the time, but it shouldn't stop us.
It's just the first hurdle, and we just have to do a little more research (or simply ask someone for help!), in order to jump over it.
Also, you can go back to your "roadmap" and see what the next steps are.
Remember to take things one step at a time.
"Cinch by the inch, hard by the yard.
" 3.
We Just Don't Care Anymore For whatever reason, you've lost sight of why you're working so hard.
When it comes to motivation, here's what you can do: • Remember why you were so excited about your idea in the first place! Envision what life will be like at the end of the tunnel.
Revisit the gem, ooh shiny! Get yourself motivated.
(And people think I'm a dork for posting my self motivational stuff) • Read an inspirational book.
One of my favorites is The 4-Hour WorkWeek, by Tim Ferriss.
• Display your favorite quotes.
At my desk, I have this quote posted up on the wall next to my computer: "The Harder I Work, The Luckier I Become.
" • Reading that always gets me going again.
My favorite is framed, done in Calligraphy, very simple.
It says "If not now, when?" • Talk it out with someone.
If you're feeling low on energy, sometimes all we need is a pick me up from a buddy.
That's why so many people say it's a lot easier to go to the gym or stay on a diet if there's someone else there with them.
My Facebook writing friends are the best on the planet.
I've been in a local group, and it was a bunch of posturing peacocks.
Everyone looked down their nose at me because I was green.
It's OK though because I'll have the last laugh, already have in small measure.
• Take a quick break.
We often work on something so much that we forget why we're doing it.
Take a day or two off, and you'll often see the motivation come back in no time.
4.
We're Not Certain if Our Idea is as Great as We Thought it Was Maybe you're having second-thoughts about your idea.
Maybe it's not as awesome as you thought.
This is the thought that pops into my head more often than the others, and it's definitely a downer.
It's the reason I have dozens - yes dozens, and that is probably a gross understatement - of unfinished projects.
If I will sit down and finish every book, every poem that I started I would be much further along.
this is part of my plan for this year, to finish what I've started.
But here's what you can do to keep your idea alive.
Simply put - think positive thoughts.
Have you ever heard of "The Law of Attraction"? It basically states that people's thoughts dictate the reality of their lives.
In other words, think positively, and positive things will happen to you.
Good juju in - good juju out! Also, you have to realize that you're not going to succeed unless you give it a shot.
What's the worst that can happen? If you're doing business online, the worst is probably not as bad as you think it could be.
If it's getting published, seriously take a look at some of the stuff that has been published and ask yourself if they can get published, then surely I can too.
5.
We See Someone Else Doing Something Similar, and It Seems Better: we Lose Hope Okay, so someone "stole' your idea, or beat you to it.
Either way, it doesn't matter.
Here's why: • That fact that you see someone else doing something similar to what you had in mind is actually a good thing! In fact, it shows that it IS a great idea, that others are already using it to make money for themselves.
There's a proven market for it, and now it's your turn to join in.
And, no one else can tell the story inside your head, or get the exact plan that's in your head.
Do It! Quit being a quitter! • The Dry Cleaners Theory: Have you ever noticed how many dry cleaners there are in one location? Here in St.
Louis, there are over 100s (according to the yellow pages).
My point is this: you don't need have a unique idea in order for it to succeed.
And if there's a need for something, there's always room for more options and solutions in the market.
• Lastly, all you have to do is build a better mouse trap.
Put some thought into why people will choose to visit your website, read your content, and purchase from you, instead of someone else.
Spend some time asking yourself if you are a writer: Would I read this? Would I spend my money on this? What can I do to make it better? Does it have enough plot twists? If it's nonfiction, have I given factual data and clear instructions? Think - engage your brain.
I hope you will agree that staying on course hurdle jumping is the backbone for the success of any business or blog, which is why I spent some extra time today.
Truth be told it's my own personal self motivational talk.
I just let you listen in.
Work hard, play hard.
If you spent half as much time working hard for yourself as you do for a company, think where you'll be in 5 years, 10 years.
Not still in the stock room that's for sure.
When you follow through on your own plans you are working for yourself, to achieve your own goals not the goals of a corporate CEO.
Soon you will be your own CEO.
I have three potential personal assistants lined up for my next step of success.
I'm hoping interviewing will begin soon.
I used some of Pat Flynn's material in composing this.
Thank You Pat! It applies to the writing life so well, and to entrepreneurial ventures as well.
I have enjoyed this self-help discussion, what about you?