I get that you want to share your career or business ideas when they come to you, because new ideas can be so exciting. And I get that it can be scary to share them. Like putting your heart on your sleeve!
This is tender territory and I have some simple tips to make it easier to know when to share or not, plus how and who to tell.
In the gestation phase, new ideas are little sprouts that can easily get stepped on by well-meaning people who want to keep you safe from being too different.
I have experienced this myself, such as when I shared with people in the early stages that I was considering focusing on helping introverts. A few people said it was a bad or weird idea that just wouldn’t fly. Luckily, I listened to my own intuition instead of to them, and it turned out to be a great idea.
I have seen this sprout-stomping happen to some of my clients. It can stop us from exploring any ideas, and stuckness sets in. Say no to stopping the flow.
Please let new wild ideas flow without judgment.
You’re not wrong and “wacky” or “weird” to play with ideas. It’s an important part of the process!
Creative ideas can lead to amazing places, even very practical places, but you can’t see it at first.
New ideas are just tiny sprouts without clear definition yet. It’s not time to judge.
A sprout could turn into a strong tree for all you know at this point. And it might not. Don’t get too attached and don’t give up either. Just enjoy for now. Gardeners know this. Tune into your inner gardener.
Important for when you do share your ideas:
- Choose someone who thinks you’re wonderful and knows how to listen and affirm you.
- A friend, not family, is best for this.
- Even if your spouse or family member is great at championing you, start with someone without any vested interest in your livelihood. Their money/safety panic can too easily kick in to help protect you, and it’s the wrong time for that.
- Before telling them, say clearly what you want and don’t want in response.
- Yes: listen, share what you hear me say, share what you notice lit me up, maybe even to add to the ideas.
- No: nay-saying or negativity.
Bottom line:
- Enjoy being with your ideas. It can be a beacon that gets you through a tough transition time.
- Others’ opinions can stomp on these little sprouts in this stage so proceed with caution, when it’s time. Choose who to tell wisely.
- It’s not a waste of time to be in the fun idea phase.
- It’s a time for play, when being practical isn’t needed or wanted, just like being a kid looking under rocks just for the heck of it. 🙃
