Have you ever had a great idea only to see someone else execute it?
This happened to me just a few days ago. While traveling in Abu Dhabi, I saw a beautifully executed design — a design that I myself had thought of more than two years ago but never acted on. People have great ideas all the time. But most of them never see the light of day, because we’re afraid to take the risk. (And, sometimes, we’re just lazy.)
Sometimes, I get an idea and get so excited about it, I can hardly sleep. It just feels right, and I know it’s a great idea. But then I share it with a few other people, and I get a lukewarm reaction. That’s when I start to question my idea: fear and doubt take over, and I let my idea die.
Fear of criticism is a big dream killer. There is nothing wrong with constructive criticism, but think carefully about how you react to people’s dreams. Don’t kill them senselessly.
Next time you have a great idea, protect it fiercely and make it happen before someone else does. (Don’t be lazy!)
Dear Readers, what keeps you from executing your great ideas?
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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.
Penny
April 30, 2012
I couldn’t agree more, and I challenge your readers one more…Support those that are courageous enough to act on their ideas!
I guarantee the support you give will lift you up internally,but more than that– most people will also repay the support 10 fold because it can be scary out there on the limb alone. Thank you Preston for reminding people to act on their passions….creativity is what makes the world an amazing place.
Ebony {Sparkling Events & Designs}
April 30, 2012
Preston,
I needed this TODAY….. thank you!
Ebony
CC Roa
April 30, 2012
Thank you for ALWAYS making the time to inspire and motivate your readers. Surely your post today is something one must NOT forget.
You’re truly are a gift and a blessing to this Industry. And I thank my lucky stars for meeting you in Vancouver.
All the best-
CC
Pam Archer
April 30, 2012
I believe that when others give you a lukewarm reception to an idea it is because they are visual people, who can’t really imagine things. They have to see it in person to know how awesome it is. That’s why I keep my ideas to myself most of the time, until they are reality.
Sileola
May 1, 2012
Wow this was so well said my favorite part is ” think carefully about how you react to people’s dreams. Don’t kill them senselessly.” thanks for the great advice
Tami Zachman
May 1, 2012
Exactly my thoughts Preston, when coming up with ideas for a table design there are times when I get the lukewarm reaction. How are you going to clean that afterwards, thats going to take alot of time to create, etc……………. I know that my friends mean well, and there are times I just do it anyway and it works out great!
Navjot Kaur
May 1, 2012
Not everyone can turn their idea into their passion. Yes, It happened with me that I shared my idea with a spark in my eyes and next thing that I know that my idea was executed within a week by someone else. Other times, many negative comments keep you from growing. Yet,I have learnt with experience to listen to others with negative/positive comments but in the end idea gets excuted only when their is fire within me to see the visual impact with creativity and passion. I value the opinion of those who have years of experience and diaplayed passion through out and never let my drive die on the basis of those who just made a negative comment with nothing to support their statement. I can not believe that we are here talking about this valuable topic that is being experienced each dayby many of us. You have been a guiding light to many simply because you hit on the core just like this post. Thanks
Greg Doyle
May 3, 2012
First off, I’d just like to say that I came across your blog months ago as I work with brides often, and am constantly keeping up on the bridal market.
Secondly, I love this post, and all the others that help to inspire and motivate your readers, myself included. Although personal training and event designing may seem completely different, I have found many more similarities, and love the posts like these. Being a fruit loop in a world of cheerios was another favorite of mine.
Keep up the great work and the inspiration,
Greg Doyle
Layla
May 27, 2012
Preston here in Abu Dhabi!! it would be my pleasure to meet you if you ever come back again. I’m a UAE national and I’m very passionate about floral designs, I’m working on opening my own flowers boutique soon.