Why You’re Not a Millionaire

You had the greatest idea that one time.

Yup. You just knew that it would change the world.
And with all the dumb inventions and products out there that your idea crushes, why aren’t you a millionaire?

Why is it that the iSock is thriving while you’re chilllin’ here with a disease-healing, humanity-saving, and generally awesome idea?
Why is there a well-produced YouTube video of a guy ranting about his toothpaste being featured on the front page when you’re sitting here with a killer video idea?

The answer is in the question.

You’re just chillin’ and sitting here while the creators of those things are out there doing and producing their ideas.

It’s a sock to hold your iPod, Genius!

The key to success is not great ideas. As Baba Ali (mentioned below) said when speaking on his story, “Ideas come a dime a dozen.”However, it’s what you actually do that separates you from the rest. (Disclaimer: A good idea is also necessary. Further down there is a process that takes you through filtering out your good and bad ideas).

Take Baba Ali for example. This was a guy that saw issues in the Muslim community that he just wanted to discuss. He wanted to advise people on how to act a little better, but in a humorous way. What’d he do? He got his low-grade video camcorder, sat in front of a wall, and spoke. And what happened after a few videos? He became one of the most popular channels on YouTube, and throughout the internet. Now, he performs stand-up at so many events and even gives lectures. It all began with just an idea.

Here are some reasons why we don’t act on our ideas and how to overcome them:

I forgot!

“I was told the meaning of life once, but I forgot to write it down.” There’s the solution to forgetfulness right there. Write it down! When you write something down it statistically gives you a better chance of remembering it rather than trying to remember it in your mind. Do what you have to do to preserve it. Use a pencil and a napkin, text it to yourself, or even carve it into your arm (not recommended).

I don’t even know where to start!

When doing anything, it’s always hard to find a place to begin. Its always best to start with goals and objectives. In order to validate and make sure that you’re positive this idea will work, take it through this process. The solution:

1. Define your goals.
It’s easy to just start a project. But, if you don’t know what you’re aiming for, you’ll most definitely miss. So, your goals are what you want accomplished. This should be doable (not outrageous and impossible), specific, and measurable (if possible).
2. Define your objectives.
Objectives are not the same as goals. Objectives are the specific things you’ll do to achieve your goals. My goal would be to go to New York, but my objectives would include buying a plane ticket, arranging plans of where I’m going to stay, etc. So for your idea to work, start by planning what you’ll do.

So, you remember your idea, you know what you want to achieve with it, and how you’ll achieve that. Though, you begin thinking…

It’s not good enough!

When we think of something that we do, we always look to compare it with something else. Unfortunately, we compare it to the wrong things. For example, say I want to write an article on an issue that affects me. I look at New York Times’ style and other, professional publishing sites and think, “Man, I could never write like that.” The solution: You don’t have towrite like that. You aren’t a professional and you shouldn’t strive to be one with your first idea. Just try your best at it. Never let a thought that “maybe it’s not as good as them” stop you from trying. Be confident in what you can do and hope for the best.

Hopefully, you can see that those who act on their ideas are the ones that truly thrive.

Leave a comment and share your million-dollar idea that never went through (or the one that did).

To see more about turning your ideas into reality, check out this article I wrote on the “six thinking hats” of ideas.