How To Turn Your Ideas Into Something Awesome
So as bloggers and creative entrepreneurs, I'm sure you're like me and have lots of new business and project ideas floating around your head on a regular basis. The hard thing is actually knowing what to do with those ideas and how to put them into action, and then eventually turn them into something super awesome that you can be proud of.
These past few months I've had lots of ideas floating around, but it's only recently I've managed to sit myself down, focus myself, and start to put some of them into action. For anyone else wanting to turn their ideas into something awesome, I wanted to share some advice with you guys today for how to do just that.
Write them down The first step I've found is to actually write your ideas down so you can see them out in front of you and somehow make sense of them. Usually the initial drawing board is never the complete final idea, and you'll need some time to play around with them, find what works, and see what it is exactly you want to do. I've found this isn't just a one session process - taking a step back, exploring different ideas, and then coming back to the drawing board is a good way to be super objective and focused when starting the process of putting ideas into action.
Share them with someone The minute you tell someone else about your ideas is the minute they start to feel real, and gives you the opportunity to hear other points of view as well. For me, talking to those close to me about upcoming projects also helps make me accountable to myself as when they then ask in the future how it's coming along, I then have to have something to say for myself. Tell someone your idea, let them encourage you along the way - the moment you say it out loud, you'll know in your gut whether it's something you want to move forward with or not.
Build a plan All good ideas need solid and focused plans, and taking the time to plan ahead, build an action plan, and find a way from A to B is a super important step. I like to work backwards - I think of the finished stage and plan back from there so I know what needs to be done. Setting yourself a deadline is super important I've found - it means you have something to work towards and it helps you know that there isn't unlimited time on your hands. Building a solid plan with dates, deadlines, and focused stages along the way is the difference between a good idea and a good idea that actually turns into something.
Stay flexible Things rarely go smoothly, there will always be bumps along the way and staying open to the unexpected is the best way to rise above any challenges you may face. Things may even go completely wrong - be okay with this, don't expect failure but know that it's okay if you don't succeed first time. Keep going, don't give up, know that your ideas have value and possibility and keep moving forward.
Get down to work All good ideas take hard work, so once you know what it is you want to do and have an action plan in place, the only thing standing in your way is yourself. Building in time within your week to get down to work, work towards those deadlines, and make weekly progress is super important if you really want to turn your idea into something awesome. Motivate yourself and stick to your action plan, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it along the way.
How about you, do you ever struggle to turn ideas into action?
Jen
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