TH!NKsulting!

Ming from Penang asks:

How do I overcome my Second Brain child syndrome?

(I tend to neglect implementing good ideas and projects, for pursuing new ideas which always seem to be more exciting at the time, until the next new idea comes along)

I have 3 very loved but neglected brain children.

My take:

Ming, thank you for asking this question. You brought up another common dilemma of super-talented people - "everyday overwhelm caused by new and exciting ideas."

The problem is clearly not a lack of ideas as you mention in your email. Super smart people have a ton of ideas. Let us think about an idea first. It is a typically a new possibility that does not exist in reality. It is an outcome of "seeing something that others didn't see." It is typically novel, innovative and cool. An idea stays as an idea until it becomes a reality. So a simple equation is

Current Reality + Idea + Execution = New Reality

Current Reality is what exists today. Your idea and the execution is what creates a new reality. Super talented people can see this new reality in their mind. However, seeing it is not sufficient but there is an insane amount of time, energy and resources have to be invested to "brilliantly execute" on the idea to see the "new reality."

So what is the problem?

The problem simply is that while super-smart people get really cool ideas frequently, the execution of these ideas still takes a lot more time. Since it typically takes a LONG time to execute on a single idea, along the way one can easily get distracted with an "even better idea" that comes along.

So, that's the problem so what's the solution?

Here are a four things to consider:

1. Your attitude about execution: Just remembering everyday that it's the execution and not the idea that will create the new reality will get you grounded. In fact, you have force yourself to come up with brilliant ideas to execute on your brilliant ideas. The creativity now has to move towards execution rather than creating new ideas. That means you have to re-visit your attitude about execution. Yes, you have a tendency to start things. Now how can you create a tendency to "complete" things that you started?

2. Your attitude towards getting help: Yes, there are people who can come up with an idea and take it from concept to reality - all without any external help. Those are typically exceptions and not the rule. Knowing your are smart, you might think that you can carry out the entire execution all by yourself but anything big needs help and support from a LOT of people. You might as well get used to that fact.

3. Build your network before you need it: Brilliant execution needs the support of a brilliant team. Good help is not easily available from your network unless you have invested in it. So go ahead and build your network way before you need it. Make a sincere attempt to help other people succeed in their projects and soon a sub-set of them will want to help you get your project succeed.

4. Get an accountability structure in place: Typically, you can escape from NOT executing your ideas if you have not announced it to the world. It is difficult to motivate yourself to keep a promise you make to yourself. If you can get that discipline, use it, if you don't, play with your emotions. Here is one idea for that. When you strongly feel a passion for one of your cool ideas, announce it to the world - tell your friends, blog about, tweet about it. Generally you are inclined to keep the promises that you make to others so this trick should work!!

Obviously, I am not covering execution in great detail here but wanted to give you something to think about.

Related Reading:

1. Life Beyond Code: Help - Someone stole my idea!

2. Life Beyond Code: Stop worrying about your idea and start focusing on execution

3. Life Beyond Code: You don't have to GO alone!

All the very best!

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More about Rajesh Setty
Blog: Life Beyond Code | Twitter: @UpbeatNow | Website: Rajesh Setty | Have a Question?

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