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I have been having a lot of lightbulb moments as of this past week. Ideas rushing to mind of things I want to do, ways I can improve things I already do and adventures that I want to have this year. When great inspiration comes to me, it seems to come in tsunami size waves. Tsunami's can be a bit overwhelming... especially if you are thinking of taking a ride on the wave. The wave is big and it could kill you. At least that's what it feels like sometimes when you are facing a giant wave of killer inspiration. The best kinds of ideas are the kinds that threaten us. A great idea is the kind that forces us to walk into giants.
At the stage of inception it's hard to tell if the idea is even any good. Most times it is a matter of relying on sheer gut instinct. My personal moto is the more an idea scares me, the better idea it is and worth pursuing. One of my favorite quotes is from the book Ignore Everybody: and 39 Other Keys to Creativity, Hugh Macleod says "The more original your idea is, the less good advice other people will be able to give you." I remember when we first launched this blog a few years ago. All kinds of people told us we were nuts, breaking all kinds of web rules doing it in a horizontal format. People said it would be a horrible business decision for us. Despite the naysayers we pursued the idea and it was a decision that we are glad to have made. This is just one small example of those moments that fully attests to the truth in Macleod sentiment. When you are sitting on a great idea don't look to others for affirmation or advice. Most times you just have to go with your gut and ride the giant wave. Sometimes we fall on our faces but the things we regret most in life are the things we didn't do, not the things we did.
Thoughts
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I love this post. You stated exactly how I feel at many moments in life. I have so many different ideas, and they all come at one time. "Tsunami" is a great way to describe it! I also really loved the quote you posted, seems to also explain my life well....I think I might have to read this book you speak of. ;)
Different fields, same message: http://blogs.adobe.com/jnack/2011/02/heres-to-the-crazy-ones.html
My problem seems to be too many lightbulbs but too little electricity : ) Gotta jack that up I suppose.
You're are such an inspiration.
So true. My problem seems to be too many lightbulbs but too little electricity : )
You guys are such an inspiration!
yep. when I force myself to do something, that scares me... I always benefit, even if what i did, wasn't a success by someone else's standards.. I learned from it and that is the biggest success.
and part of the reason, I enjoy looking at your photos, is because of the horizontal blog format... LOVE it!
:) Thanks! Best advice!
Wow Sarah! Sometimes you scare me - it's like you're directly connected to my brain :P Thanks for the encouragement and sharing. Blessings to you while you ride your AWESOMEST of AWESOME waves.
"Sometimes we fall on our faces but the things we regret most in life are the things we didn't do, not the things we did." - Amen!
thanks for this great message. and for the inspiration. i've had an idea swimming in my head that i've not seen elsewhere. there is no where to turn for advice. there is only me figuring it out. and hoping it sells. here we go...
Thanks Sarah! A great way to start the day with a dose of Rhoads inspiration - this stuff ooozes out of you.
Great quote from Hugh Macleod! Love that you went for what you wanted instead of following the norms.
Love love love
Well said, your ability to express your inner thoughts is just brilliant and truly inspirational!! I think we all have great ideas, but too few of us take ACTION and see it unfold (good or bad) with no regrets:)
thanks for sharing your tips! btw - my wife and i are totally jealous of your horizontal blog format, haha
Thanks for the encouraging post Sarah. Just what I needed to hear today!
you have such a gift of encouragement. you two are so transparent I feel. i love it! thanks for all your honesty and of course the great images:)