Ideas are wonderful things. They come about in all sorts of ways and take many forms; sometimes they emerge from reflection, other times through problem-solving, yet others from divine inspiration, or even seemingly “out of the blue”!  How they come about doesn’t determine their value.  The ultimate value of an idea only develops when you make a conscious decision to create something from it.

History is littered with ideas that went nowhere, mostly because the owner didn’t apply the required effort to make it real.  Other times we may pause and wonder: “Why didn’t I think of that?”  To actually create something requires conscious effort; it can also require other resources in time, talent, resources and capital.  The idea may be much bigger than you alone.

It’s not necessary to set out to create something destined to change the world, however; it’s pretty cool when that happens once in a generation (think Steve Jobs and Apple) but it really just matters that your idea creates some value by improving how things work and the quality of life. We all possess that power.

Organizations value the people most who willingly contribute not just their time and energy, but add their ideas for improving results.  Create because you should, not because you’re asked!  Don’t allow your fear that someone may not like your creation prevent you from sharing it.  At a minimum, contributing your ideas will advance the conversation and could well lead to a solution that no one else has considered, or at least examined from your unique perspective.  The fact that what you create might fail, or not work as intended, shouldn’t keep you from trying; to do nothing guarantees failure.

You’re in this place and at this point in time for a reason.  What’s your idea?  More importantly, when will you create something from it?