We live, we love, we strive

Have you ever stumbled upon a brilliant idea during a fleeting moment of inspiration or after a deep meditation session?

It’s intriguing to realize that many of these ideas often seem to have been conceived by someone else at some point. This phenomenon raises questions about originality and creativity in our increasingly interconnected world.

Reflecting on my journey, I recall the excitement of brainstorming business ideas and sharing them with friends to gauge their feasibility. As I explored potential ventures, I quickly discovered that many concepts I considered were already thriving businesses. For instance:

• Co-working Spaces: A brand name called “Spaces” in a low-rise building, already taken.
• Photography Studios: High-quality photography services tailored for travelers, know a French company providing this service
• Podcast Studios: Facilities catering to freelancers and businesses looking to leverage podcasts as a marketing tool, with full editing services
• Packaged Food Services: Initiatives providing curated food collections for charities. Noticed a pair of siblings doing this for the past 10 years
• Sustainable Dry Food Businesses: Customers allowed to purchase only what they need, rather than pre-packaged quantities, across wide range of dry foods. And we have “Scoop”.

Even in my writing endeavors, as I delve into books that pique my interest, I often find my notes echoing concepts already articulated by others. This realization can be disheartening. It sprinkles down to the notion that an original idea seems increasingly elusive in today’s landscape.

C.S. Lewis once remarked that true originality arises not from the pursuit of being unique but from a sincere commitment to truth-telling. He suggested that if one focuses on conveying genuine thoughts without obsessing over originality, they often stumble upon authentic insights. This perspective can be liberating, especially when grappling with the fear of inadequacy in creative pursuits.

Even in social life, you will never make a good impression on other people until you stop thinking about what sort of impression you are making. Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it. – C.S. Lewis

Ideation and Execution

Understanding that original ideas are scarce can be comforting, relieving the pressure to innovate constantly. The more pressing question then becomes: how do we effectively test and implement these ideas?

Codie Sanchez highlights that successful entrepreneurs often test their concepts multiple times before launching them, learning from failures along the way. However, most aspiring business owners lack the resources available to billionaires.

Drawing from my corporate experience, I recognize the perpetual need for brainstorming innovative revenue-generating ideas. Often, these discussions yield half-baked concepts that require refinement from those who have seen similar ideas through to fruition.

How can I get the same advantage?

Two years ago, I completed Gallup’s StrengthFinder course and discovered that one of my strengths is “ideation.” This revelation was not surprising; I’ve always been recognized for my ability to think outside the box. However, I also realized that execution is where I often falter.

Building a Collaborative Network

Over time, I’ve identified two types of individuals who can help me bring my ideas to life:

1. Practical Thinkers: Those who possess operational savvy and can highlight potential pitfalls.
2. Open-Minded Innovators: Individuals who can expand upon my ideas and help navigate them toward execution.

Despite my efforts to jot down thoughts and create mind maps for business plans, I’ve found that actively building a network is far more effective. Yet, fear often hinders me from fully engaging with potential mentors or collaborators.

In a world where originality feels increasingly rare, it’s essential to shift our focus from seeking uniqueness to embracing collaboration and execution. By surrounding ourselves with diverse thinkers and leveraging our strengths, we can transform fleeting ideas into actionable plans.

As I continue this journey of ideation and execution, I am both disheartened and inspired that innovation isn’t as innovative as it seems. These commonly known innovations are often shared by many, waiting for someone brave and actionable enough to bring it to life.