The Loose Screw
Have you ever felt slightly crazy and like you have a screw loose? Your ideas run rampant, come into your brain, and leave just as fast. If you're the kind of thinker who drops audacious ideas like breadcrumbs, you're familiar with the raised eyebrows and puzzled glances. Remember, Uber and Airbnb didn't start as mainstream darlings either – look where they stand today.
If you feel like you're missing a screw, it's okay, and in this newsletter, we're here to explore some high-level ideas to help you embrace the discomfort of your unconventional ideas and validate them!
We'll also introduce you to a few broad concepts that will help you find your footing in the realm of discomfort and innovation. Prepare to challenge the status quo because...
Sanity and brilliance often share the same space in a world that's shaped by those who aren't afraid to break the mold.
Let's dive in and uncover the brilliance within the chaos
1. The "Am I Crazy?" Moment
Raise your hand if you've ever had an idea that sounded super awesome in your head but got you wondering if you're secretly the captain of the wacky ship. We've all been there. You're not crazy; you're creative! The world thrives on fresh perspectives, and often, those who dare to think differently are the ones who bring about incredible change.
2. The Idea Spotlight
You know that idea light bulb that flickers on when you're in the shower or taking a walk? Well, let's shine a spotlight on it. Take that seemingly bizarre idea and give it your full attention. Jot it down, sketch it out, or record a voice memo—whatever helps you capture its essence.
Sometimes, simply acknowledging an idea makes it feel more real and worthy of exploration.
3. Embrace the Quirk
Guess what? Unconventional ideas are often the most exciting ones! They have a certain quirkiness that sets them apart. Instead of taming your idea to fit norms, embrace its uniqueness. Remember, many game-changing inventions were once considered downright crazy (hello, flying machines and smartphones).
4. The Validation Game
Ready to play the validation game? Share your idea with a close friend or a trusted confidant. And here's the trick: don't just expect applause. Welcome questions, concerns, and even skepticism. Why? Because this helps you see your idea from different angles, and also prepares you for potential challenges down the road. Plus, you'll realize that discussing your idea doesn't make you seem less intelligent—it's a sign of strength and openness.
For a more pinpointed approach to validating an idea (business or personal), it is a more scientific four-step approach. You define your goals, develop a hypothesis (remember the good old high school definition of this an assumption, an idea that is proposed for the sake of argument so that it can be tested to see if it might be true), experiment, and validate. A great deeper dive can be found here Idea Validation: Steps and Tools for Testing Your Idea (viima.com)
Guess what? You're not the only one who's had that genius idea. Someone, somewhere, has probably explored a similar concept. So there is no need to reinvent any wheels here, but what is important is that you add your unique experiences and insights into whatever you do create. Dive into research, read up on related topics, and see what others have done.
This isn't about copying; it's about understanding the landscape and finding your unique twist.
6. Small Steps, Big Wins
Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither are ideas. Break down your grand idea into smaller, manageable steps. This not only makes it less overwhelming but also lets you celebrate the wins along the way. Even baby steps count!
7. The "Aha!" Moment
Validation isn't just about getting a pat on the back from others. It's about the "aha!" moment you have when you genuinely believe in your idea.
It's about recognizing its potential, even if it seems unconventional. Trust that gut feeling—it's often your best compass.
So, my friends the next time you think your idea is crazy, think again. Embrace your unique ideas, validate them through discussion and research, and let your creativity shine. Remember, it's the wild ideas that change the world, and if they feel crazy stick with them while you navigate the waters.
