5 Ways to Bury a Great Idea

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

We are all born with the gift of discernment; a talent to visualize what is obscure. Why then do we see people with incredible talent fail in achieving what their mind is capable of? The smartest amongst us who fail to throw off the bowlines and sail away from the safe harbor baffle me. They’re the intellect without persona to explore, dream, and discover possibly the greatest idea that amused their mind.

We all have our share of great ideas in the coffin, an idea that has never seen daylight. I’m intrigued to explore the psyche that works behind the death of a seemingly great idea. Let’s explore, shall we?

1. If it’s easy then it’s too good to be true

Often, great ideas are simple yet profound in nature. The person who invented the sticky pad must have felt this enigma. The best of intentions die when the desire that provoked the intention is lacking fire. Last year, I had an idea to start a GPO (Group Purchasing Organization) for the hospitality industry. The idea was simple – create an organization of hotel owners and purchase supplies to gain economy of the scale. One cliché I heard from others is that if it is so easy, why has it not been done yet? If my desire were not kindled with a firm belief, I’d have thrown a blanket over this great idea.

2. It will not work

There are ample unknowns staring at us when we throw off the bowlines. Our negative persona kicks in and takes over like a magician. We all have felt passion for a great idea suddenly taking turn for the worst. When I discussed this idea of creating a purchasing group with friends who own hotels, I expected a tidal wave of positivity and encouragement. Instead, I felt as if I was being punched square in the stomach when I heard, “Well, it won’t work.” Often we believe, either consciously or subconsciously, that staying the course is the best we can ever do. The truth can’t be any further than that.
Read the Rest of This Article »