There Is Always More Money Than Ideas

I have a friend who believes that if you have an idea and the commitment to see it through, you can bring it to fruition — whatever that idea may be. Now, some ideas are so ridiculous or ill-conceived that they have no chance of success. But I’m not talking about these. I’m discussing the great business or conceptual ideas that only need funding to come to life. Skype would be an example. (1)

What do all great ideas or movements have in common? Certainly, they recognize or address a previously unmet need or desire of human beings. Behind all of this lie two phenomena: the power of observation and the strength of imagination.

We live in a somewhat isolated world — I live inside my own consciousness. It is only through careful observation that I come to comprehend the world outside. If you are deeply sensitive, you acknowledge the profundity of the natural world, with all its flora, fauna, insects, and life. To recognize this is one thing, but to take that knowledge and multiply it through imagination is a wonderful gift.

Howard Schultz, (2) as an example, noticed that we, as a population in North America, prefer to drink coffee over tea, unlike in Britain or Europe. Coffee is not just a beverage — it is a cultural experience, a desire to be a little special. The European coffee shop model reflects this, offering an elegant, upper-class café experience. When I studied in Krakow some fifty years ago, we would visit an exclusive “kawiarnia” on the Rynek (3) where coffee and cake were served on linen-covered tables by formally dressed waiters. It was a scene straight out of Doctor Zhivago (4) before the Revolution, or at least something very much like it.

The question becomes: how do I become an observant person and turn that scrutiny into an entrepreneurial skill? The first step is simple: write your ideas down with a pen or a pencil. Ralph Waldo Emerson reminds us that “The good writer seems to be writing about himself, but always has his eye on the Universe which runs through himself and all things.” (5)

So, you must acquire a notebook — not a diary or journal, but a book for your spontaneous thoughts. Begin by writing the day and date consistently, every day for 21 days. Three weeks is enough for this habit to take root. You will slowly, but surely, begin to see life in a new way: the furtive eyes of people in the market, the glee of children running in the park, the lazy buzzing of black flies — all will take on novel meaning. Your reality will seem richer, and a deeper understanding of life will emerge.

The natural world, while occupying the same position in the hierarchy of life, will reveal itself in a unique and astonishing way. There is so much to observe that it can feel overwhelming. This is why we must document what we can. Writing gives life context and breath.

As I observe what is distinct and previously unconceptualized, I find endless possibilities. I have a client who wants to open a school to teach the art of food to the world. Rick Steves (6) turned his love of travel into a boutique travel agency that caters to those seeking sincere and authentic travel experiences.

So what is your dream? It does not have to be pecuniary. My mother, for example, wanted to create a loving family. Some people wish to travel the world. On our recent trip to the Camino, (7) David and I met a man who had been traveling for ten years. Yes, he had been “on the road” for ten years. The solution is simple: live out your mission in life. And why not? There is always more money than ideas. The question is: what do you truly want to do? Henry David Thoreau leaves us with a thought: I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.

A closing thought: When you are 16 years old, struggling with school or your self-image, this seems like a ridiculous claim. The main point here is to learn to believe in yourself. Make a “leap of faith” (8) into your own life. Most times, you will not be disappointed.

To sum up: This week, we spoke about taking a chance on your life.

To be noted: From Theodore Roosevelt (9) — Believe you can and you’re halfway there

Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbMygPmt6WY&list=RDlbMygPmt6WY&start_radio=1

For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41bIJ7hYbLs&t=15s

This week, on your reflective walk, please ponder what your mission in life means to you.

Every day, look for something magical and beautiful.

Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!

http://www.dbawageslave.com

Quote: Don’t surrender to the naysayers in your life.

Footnotes:

1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype

2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_NiURjGSyI