There is No Such Thing as a Good Idea

An idea kept private might as well not exist. Collide an idea with reality to discover its true value.

“Spending a lot of time trying to validate an idea, doing research and doing planning is a waste of time. What you need to do is immediately collide your ideas with reality... hundreds if not thousands of times.” — Marc Randolph (The Tim Ferriss Show)

Reality check → None of your ideas are original.

That probably hurts, but you need to hear it.

Even your unique perspective attached to an idea does little to elevate its value. A cloistered idea bouncing around in your echo chamber of one might as well not even exist.

According to Sönke Ahrens, “An idea kept private is as good as one you never had. And a fact no one can reproduce is no fact at all... There is no such thing as a history of unwritten ideas.”

Simply put, an idea is best leveraged by putting it into action.

An idea finds value in its execution, and execution only occurs in the the wild. An idea proves it worth when exposed to reality and the struggle to survive amongst other ideas. The real world shines like the sun with billions of ideas in constant motion, colliding and competing for attention.

But what if an idea isn't ready?

Perhaps more refinement is needed... more planning for a soft launch into the unforgiving embrace of reality. Nonsense!

The truth is this: Refinement or planning will not serve an idea well. You can’t wait for the perfect moment. It will never come. Execute an idea as soon as possible and iterate, for an idea requires the crucible of reality to solidify its value.

Aim for the quickest, shortest feedback loop possible. Cast your bias aside. Experiment in public. Make noise with your ideas. Listen carefully for a response. Repeat. You will quickly learn the value of both the idea and its execution.

---

What ideas are you holding hostage? What is preventing you from releasing them into the world?

Be objective as possible when answering those questions, and consider the following advice:

• If you’re scared, rest assured most people feel the same way. You’re in good company.

• If you don’t know how, start by observing how other people distribute ideas on social media platforms, blogging sites and in newsletters.

• If you don't want to go on a solo adventure, communities like Ness Labs and Visualize Value can equip you with the knowledge, tools and support you need. They are YOUR kind of people, and they have been waiting to meet you.

Please reach out if I can help in any way.