Many people have a bizarre tendency. They come up with brilliant ideas and refuse to tell anyone.
Maybe it’s because we grow up in fear of not getting credit for our work. I’m not sure. It does seem like ideas are scarce, but really, the opposite is true.
Here are some things to realize if you believe you shouldn’t share your ideas:
- It’s probably not new
Someone had that idea before. James Altucher comes up with 10 ideas every day. He came up with over three thousands ideas last year.
- Execution is what matters
Anyone can have an idea, but executing is a totally different question. One takes an instant, the other takes years.
- Timing is important, too
Is the market ready? Are you at a point in your life where you can commit to this?
- Your personal ability is crucial
Do you know the right people? Do you have the right skills and resources. Are you willing to acquire them?
- Your ideas should make the world a better place
If you’re coming up with ideas solely so you can profit and benefit, why do it in the first place?
- The problem is that not enough people want to steal your idea
No one was ever unemployed because they were too popular. If you have an idea worth stealing and it spreads widely, you will benefit. You might not bring in $x thousands in revenue, but your reputation will be much higher for when you do realize a product.
- Competition shouldn’t be your first concern.
Most startups fail because there is no market need, the founders give up or they’ve run out of money.
The scariest part of sharing a new idea is that it might fail. There’s nothing more terrifying than putting a piece of your soul into the world and realizing that no one wants it. It’s a necessary step in being creative, in being an entrepreneur, in trying new things.
Hone in on this. Enjoy the fact that the plan might not work and you’ll soon become an expert at the process. Even if someone does steal your idea, you’ll always be ready with another one.