This is a short manifesto for makers and creators, whether it's events, programmes, startups, books, poems, art, etc.
We all get stuck in a rut. Maybe you have writers' block, or can't seem to crack the idea that's been hounding you for a while. Whatever the case is, knowing how to stop chasing the perfect idea is critical to kick-starting and sustaining your own transformative creativity, and it's as relevant in business and life as the arts. Here are three ways to stop getting in your own way.
Build a circle of perspectives you trust.When you're turning an idea over and over in your head, it can be easy to lose perspective, so make sure you get fresh ones. Have a small circle of friends, colleagues or mentors whose opinions you trust and be sure to get their thoughts on whatever you're working on.
If you're a writer, run your concepts past a scientist. If you're a software engineer, find a poet to bounce ideas off of. If you're an entrepreneur, see what your artistic friend makes of it.
Exposing your idea to the light and to diverse perspectives is all about shortening the feedback loop. This is especially important with early-stage ideas. At this point, your idea is never going to be 100% watertight, and that's okay. It can feel uncomfortable sharing it before it's ready, but becoming used to getting feedback from a multitude of people will help you grow a thicker skin and eventually strengthen your idea. (Even better if those perspectives aren't in the same field or industry as you.)
When I had an idea about a new poetry event I wanted to start, I floated it past writers as well as designers, leadership coaches, business consultants, psychology students, booksellers and community organizers. They all brought completely different experience and points of view to spot potential pitfalls and opportunities that would never have crossed my mind otherwise. Not only did those conversations spark new avenues to explore, it piqued their interest enough to put me in touch with other creatives that could help me along the way.
Tech companies have this agile philosophy baked into their process: test early and often, get feedback quickly, learn, change and send it out again. Rinse and repeat.
https://medium.com/@cynthia.wmiller/stop-chasing-the-perfect-idea-ac89dd144ef6
