Let me start today’s post by asking you this: How many times have you had a great idea? And how many times have you taken your great idea and actually executed it?
I think what usually happens is that immediately after we get our great idea, we tell ourselves, “But I could never do that. I don’t even know how.”
I’m here to tell you right now: Yes, you can.
I want us to do an experiment this weekend. Take an idea, just one, and actually do it. Maybe you have a great idea for a blog. Start writing the blog. Maybe there’s a new technique you’ve been wanting to try in your trade (whether you’re a florist or a photographer), take that technique and experiment.
Who cares if you fail? You’ll know that technique doesn’t work, but maybe you’ll stumble on to something that does.
If you’re not sure how to start, do research. Get on Google and search for “how to write a blog,” for example. Talk to a friend who is doing something similar to your idea and ask him or her questions.
The point is just to start moving on the idea. I think you’ll be amazed at where you end up when you take the first step and begin.
I think the reason why we don’t execute our ideas is some combination of the following:
- Fear
- Laziness
- Insecurity
- Time
I know we can all be scared, at times, of wasting our energy or time (in a worst case scenario, our money or other people’s time and money). But we won’t know if we can really do something until we actually try.
So, tell me. What is the one idea you’ll work on this weekend? And, if you want, please update me on the outcome of your experiment next week.
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Georgianne Vinicombe
March 10, 2011
Great blog Preston! I remember years ago when I was new to being in business, everything was scary and I felt like I had so much to learn. With time you discover that you always need to keep moving, pushing yourself to take that next step. What was scary then is what I thrive on today and the key is knowing that you can do it, if you just believe in yourself.
lindsey
March 10, 2011
making tissue poms for sale- i’m scared that i’ll be rejected, or people won’t like them/want to pay for them. going to make some pink ones for a local shop this weekend!
Pretty Pear Bride
March 10, 2011
OK, Mr Preston Bailey, I am taking this as a sign because this is the 4th time today that something to this nature has been written and I’ve been like “Wow, that’s interesting” I started a site for plus size brides, Pretty Pear Bride, and I’ve been doubting myself and trying to make sure it is the right thing to do and you and this post are the final straw, this is what I’m meant to do. How I’m going to live off it, I don’t know but I am going to keep moving forward!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!
Leona Morelock
March 10, 2011
Thank you so much Preston. This was just what I needed to read today!! I have an idea that I think will work but that is also very scary. I know I can do it and your post helped so much.
Dolores Tipton, Soiree Events
March 11, 2011
Thanks Preston! You always come up with something I need to hear just at the very time I need to hear it most. I’ll be working on my blog this weekend and hope to find time to master the ipad. It’s a challange to keep up with all this technology!
Annick Cabrol
March 11, 2011
Just before I logged on I was daydreaming about this event that I have wanted to organize for years, and thinking it was to big it would require a lot of work, money and time. But after reading your blog I intend to start the process. This week end I will begin to write a business plan. Put on paper all my ideas and start researching the different element needed to accomplish this goal.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Payal Mehta
March 11, 2011
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY?
Payal Mehta
March 11, 2011
It’s always scary to try something cause to accept failure is not enshrined cup of tea. I too am scared to get out of box and go for dreams cause at age 24 I tried my first business and lost quite a bit. Now I am 34 yrs of age scared of taking the big step cause what if I fail again. But listening to you in Vegas at the Catersource Convention and watching your blog I am truly inspired to go for my dreams. Thanks..
Lee Worrells
March 11, 2011
Hello Preston,
You won’t remember me, but we met very briefly at AIFD in Palm Desert, Ca.
THat is if you actually get this message…
At any rate, You hit all the nails on the head for me and more that you don’t have time for…
Yet, I can’t seem to break out of the “vicious cycle” here in New Orleans!
I haven’t been back to AIFD since that time.
I seem to be stonewalled. I work for Premier Design companies.
But I AM a Designer and a lot of it here is “who you know”,,,
I do work that should put me ahead of the line but I just seem to be spinning my wheels and don’t know what to do to get out it…or fear of going somewhere else to be the person/designer that I can be… So as I ramble, I guess what I am asking is How did you do it? What do I do?
Thanks for listening
Maureen
March 15, 2011
Preston how much impact your posts are having! So very timely as always! Read it to my husband – he couldn’t believe it either – it truly was a message from God to me.
Had been dreaming about getting more serious about my new (very expensive) hobby – designing swarovski crystal bridal jewelry, headbands, & feather hair flowers.
Had just been doing it for fun when I needed a rest. It’s creative and different – and some of my designs are really “out there” but I enjoy it a lot.
Read your post and decided to jump! Took 30 of my designs up to a VERY fancy shop in Belleview.
She bought 15 of them! I was stunned!
And she put them in a photo shoot on Saturday!
So thank you, thank you, thank you for your encouragement. You are impacting lives in so many ways.
Kelsey Pace
March 15, 2011
I’m a videographer, and for awhile I have wanted to start a video blog about things that are happening in my area. You know, short features about local musical talent, a worthwhile fundraising event, new stores/businesses opening up (etc) and have interviews and intriguing video to go with each feature. It seems like it would take a lot of time and effort to plan and to start up so I have been putting it off. Hopefully I can write back later and say that I got started this weekend!
Martine Chery
March 18, 2011
Great post, so true! Well, I want to meet three people in my life, Oprah, Michael Beckwith and Preston Bailey! For a long time, I have the idea to host Preston Bailey on my wedding blog as “Outstanding & Unique Wedding Vendor” by asking him “10 questions to “THE” top Wedding Designer Preston Bailey, but out of fear, I always push back that idea BUT because of that post, I will work on this idea and overcome my fear to make it happen.
Wanda Gomez
March 18, 2011
Just what I needed to hear.. God Bless
Senoirea Ventura - Beyond the Diamond Inc
April 16, 2011
As my inspiration you continue to build confidence in me to follow my dream and allow no negative talk to detour me from the mission & vision I have for Beyond the Diamond Inc. Thank you! This was worth not being able to sleep tonight.