Vision...or Not! (General)

How do you know the difference between real insight, or vision, and a bad idea? I have both regularly, but I always struggle to distinguish between the two. Sometimes, I recognize a great idea (or a really bad one) immediately, but other ideas only reveal their true worth over time; long after the decision has been made and the results are in. So, what do you do when you don’t know whether you have a visionary insight, or a very bad idea?

I usually test my idea by asking as many people as possible to get diverse input and perspectives. Sometimes folks are immediately taken with the idea, and they get excited, however others ideas are met with skepticism and doubt. Some are true skeptics at first and then warm up after some serious consideration. And then there are those ideas that are met with immediate rejection or even worse, ridicule!

I always listen to my group of “focus group” /confidants because I know they will always tell me the truth, and share their concerns with me. I also know that they are open minded enough to consider an idea that is out of the box, and yet independent enough to share their opinions freely. Now, that doesn’t mean that I always agree with them, do what they say, or follow their advice… but it sure helps me to consider all the angles… and prepare for the anticipated challenges if I decide to move forward.

Being a successful entrepreneur always requires some creative and unique ideas. However being successful requires that you listen to those around you who have unique perspectives, experience, and non-biased input. If you can identify a truly bad idea and avoid the expense and headache of doing the wrong thing, it is valuable and will increase your odds of success. I have learned much from my inner circle of confidants, and they have helped me avoid disaster many times with my ill-conceived ideas. However, I also know that many times creative vision is something that is very is unique to you and your particular experiences. Vision requires individual courage, and can mean the difference in doing what others do, or taking things to a new level of success… a level that is called….visionary. So visionary ideas may not always get the approval of those around you.

Vision can be a scary and lonely thing… but doing what you always have done can only produce what you always have gotten. If you truly want to excel, you are going to have to get out of your comfort zone, take some chances, and trust your vision!