I don’t have a problem falling asleep at night, never have. This truth goes directly against rational thought because my brain never shuts off. I never stop thinking. Not in a negative way, but in an “idea machine” way.
It’s like the blessing/curse of being multi-passionate that I’m afflicted with: my mind is forever coming up with new business ideas and creative projects for not only myself but everyone around me. (Don’t worry, I’ve learned to control the urge to share!) I get this from my dad. He too is filled with ideas, many much more technical and inventive than mine. So it’s genetic, I guess we could say. There’s actually a word for us: Ideapreneur.
Ideapreneur: Somebody who likes to generate new and innovative ideas – whether for business or other purposes – and to help realize them.
Does this sound like you? If so, you might feel a little isolated sometimes. It’s not easy for everyone to understand the creativity and enthusiasm you have, and it might even become a bit of a burden to those closest to you who don’t see the opportunity around every corner. It’s a difficult truth that being an ideapreneur might not align with success in its many forms, but it’s undeniable.
5 Tips to Succeed as an Ideapreneur
That’s why it’s important for us to stick together. Today I’m sharing some things to remember as you navigate your life as an enthusiastic ideapreneur.
1. Time is Your Friend
This is the most important thing I’ve learned over the years. Time – not timing – is everything for the ideapreneur.
We don’t all necessarily have that gut reaction to guide us because we’re drawn to so much and a lot of ideas can feel “right,” so time can be our guide. If we give it a few weeks, months even for a big project, then the best ideas and projects will weed themselves out automatically. This also prevents burnout, which is an added bonus.
2. Not Everyone Will Get You
And that’s okay. I can’t even begin to imagine what my friends and family think about my constant stream of ideas and projects. But I don’t care either. It’s me – it makes me who I am. I think they’d be more worried at this point if the ideas stopped.
If you’re struggling to find people who understand you, you can find that community online. I guarantee it. It’s where I found my tribe, and finding your tribe makes all the difference.
3. Failure is Going to Happen
This could go without saying. We know that there are going to be times when we feel like we’ve failed. It’s totally normal and to be expected when you take a risk and put yourself out there, but I just wanted to remind you because sometimes you might feel the tug to back away, to reset, and to recharge your ideas. To mend yourself after a difficult rejection or perceived failure of a project/business. If you feel this tug, please do. Taking a break doesn’t mean that you won’t ever be that ideapreneur again, and take risks, it just means you’re human.
4. Collaboration is Critical
For someone with so many ideas, you’ll be wise to collaborate when you can. There are precautions to take, of course. You want to be sure you follow your gut on this one and not commit if you sense even the slightest bit of flakiness in a partner, and of course, give yourself some time as I suggested above, but collaboration can fulfill so many great projects at once!
Embrace partnerships when they come up if they feel right!
5. It’s Okay to be a Quitter
Quitting has such a bad wrap. I get why: I was a quitter for decades and I felt like that was such a bad thing. It was in certain cases because I was giving up on really important things that were critical to my growth. But it isn’t always so.
Sometimes an idea sounds good and feels good, so we go with it. Eventually, we realize it wasn’t right: the right time, or people, or idea.
There’s shame associated with quitting, and I think it’s important to address that and bury it. At least you took a risk, a chance. That’s a brave act in itself, and there is no reason to feel bad about it.
Are you an ideapreneur? Anything to add?
Thanks for the note Seth! I knew I wasn’t alone!!
I’m actually in a little writing group, but because we’ve gotten so close, it’s become a safe space for sharing ideas etc… Leave this with me, I’ll see if I can find some good spaces to share!!!
YES!! This is so me in so many ways. Wow. My wife calls me a passionate person that can run with anything and find new ways to make it awesome while getting excited. A co-worker also just said to me, “Does your brain ever stop?” Lol
I’d love to hear about what community of ideapreneurs you found. Sounds like a cool place!
Thanks for the article!
Seth