"Ideas are funny things – they don’t work unless you do."
Many years ago, my cousin Aditya had recited this quote. And it has gone on to become one of my favourites. It is an adaption, it seems, of Thomas A. Edison’s words: An idea is something that won’t work unless you do.
The thought is so simple. It isn’t rocket science; nor is it a new thought. But boy is it true! I have a folder of notes that have ideas for jokes but they haven’t seen the light of day, let alone the spotlight in a comedy club. They just remain scribbles on a page.
What is even worse is when an idea comes to my mind and I don’t document it instantly or properly. Months later all I see is one word on a page with no clue about why I wrote it or what it relates to. That idea is gone. Potentially forever.
We’ve all heard a friend or colleague talk about successful people, and claim that they had the same successful idea long before that company was even formed. Well, my friend, if you sat on your backside and did nothing about it, does it count?
In my experience as an #ExecutiveCoach working with organisations, a mediocre strategy implemented well leads to far greater success than a brilliant strategy implemented badly.
So if you have an idea that you think has legs, start working on it. Your idea doesn’t have to be brilliant to start with. But if you keep working on it, it will get better. However, you need to do it, move it and make it happen. You can’t sit your way to success!
Question:
Has this happened to you? Did you or do you have a great idea that you’ve sat on for too long?
Have you seen this with others? Do you have people in your organization or circle who talk a great talk but never do the walk?
Any stories you’d like to share without taking people’s names?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.
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