Forgetting Your Greatest Idea

There has always been something about collecting and collectors that amazes me.  I would consider myself a collector on some levels.  I have a vast collection of things from my life such as pictures from my children and now grandchildren.  I collect postcards, books, Boy Scout memorabilia, and I always like to bring home a stone from anyplace I visit.  I know people who collect all kinds of things and to some, it is almost an obsession.  However, the thing I like to collect the most are ideas.

                The difference between collecting postcards from that of collecting ideas is that ideas are not so easily displayed.  No one is going to ask you if you would like to look at their ideas collection.  So, the question has to be asked, "How does one collect something that cannot be seem?" 

"Be a collector of good ideas, but don't trust your memory."

- Jim Rohn

(1930-2009) American Author/Speaker

                The collecting of ideas is a long-standing habit of many who have changed our world.  Thomas A. Edison collected ideas; as did Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, the Wright Brothers, Steve Jobs and many more.  I know that many of you have great and wonderful ideas every day.  But, do you collect them?  Again, how does one collect something that cannot be seem?  Here are three things you can do to make your collection of ideas tangible and worthwhile.

#1 Create An Idea Book

                One of the keys in the quote by Jim Rohn is, "Don't trust your memory."  It is an age-old story of people who have great ideas that excite and motivate them.  They decide that this one will be their winner and they will get right on it.  Hours or days later they try to remember what that idea was, and it is gone.  That is the way our memory works - it leaks.  Keep a small book with you always and when you have a great idea, write it down right away.  That way you can go back and find it when you are ready to put it into action.

#2 Develop a Plan for Achievement

                Once you have written down your idea, take some time to plan it out.  What will you need to know, do or get to make this happen?  What will it look like or sound like?  How will this work and what is it exactly for?  These questions can help you to develop your idea into something that will be of use.  Remember, ideas take time to develop.  There may be times when you don't know what it will look like until it starts to come to life, that is okay.  The key is to be developing it and making it ready for life.

#3 Take Action On It

                Nothing happens without action.  The best way to bring an idea to life is by taking action - the sooner the better.  Keep to the rule that you never leave an idea without taking some kind of action within 24 hours.  Any longer than that and you will most likely not do anything at all.  Success comes through action alone, never in the idea itself.  Ideas, even the best of them, are only thoughts if there is no action to back them up.

You can learn more about Personal Development from author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey.  To get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com. Be sure to sign up for the free membership and get even more tools to help you achieve you dreams.  

© 2017 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this may be reprinted or published without permission of the author.