I consider myself a bit of a hoarder.
I collect all sorts of random stuff, believing that they’re not just useless things taking up space, they’re my mementos. A small piece of paper that my best friend and I doodled on? Hoard-worthy.
My name tag from joining that conference during High School? Hoard-worthy. If there’s any type of sentimental value to something, there’s a good chance that it’ll join the hoard.
It wasn’t until recently, however, that I realized that hoard-worthy stuff doesn’t always have to be a physical object. It can also be something immaterial, such as an idea. I hoard ideas as well, in the form of unchecked points on my to-do list.
I keep thinking that I will get to them when I have time, but I never seem to have the right time. So I just keep these points on my list.
And I think that a lot of people can relate to this. There’s always that great novel you want to write or a sweet new board game you want to create. Or perhaps you want to develop a website or submit an op-ed to the local newspaper.
So many things most of us want to do and yet many of us never get around to checking those things off the to-do list.
And you know what? It’s time to face the truth. If we are ever going to get things done, we have to make a conscious effort to accomplish them.
Think about it. We have all experienced that one moment where you suddenly think of this great idea, made a mental note to yourself to get back to it later, and then just forgot all about it.
Or perhaps you didn’t forget but continued procrastinating on the project. Read our CEO’s own experience with this here.
Tucking away material mementos is one thing, but a ‘jar’ full of ideas that could turn into projects that could change your life, is something else entirely.
Anyways, I realized that I don’t want to let another great idea pass me by, and I feel the same way about your ideas. So what should we do when another great idea makes its way into our head?
design thinking
Step 1: Embrace It
Stop making mental notes, and actually write your idea down. Even if it’s on a napkin while you’re out at lunch. Of course, where you write it down is important. If you’re the type that can’t live without your gadget close by, put your notes on it. You can use Evernote, for example. Or if you’re more of the journal type, then write it down in your trusty Moleskine or Mead notebook. By writing it down, you’re giving yourself a sort of reality kick that the idea is real. If nothing else, it’s tangible, it’s something that you can literally hold in your hand.
Let’s say that where you come from, the idea of a mobile food business is not common yet. There’s not even one food truck that exists, but you want to change that. Meals on wheels, why not? That’s your idea. Now embrace it.
First, ask yourself some questions. What type of food do you want to sell? Will it be possible? Where would you set up shop? Where could you get your truck customized? Then answer these questions yourself and let your mind wander freely.
Don’t get down on yourself if you come across any challenges. Instead, start brainstorming solutions. By doing so, you’re giving yourself another reality kick. You’ll start to think it is possible.
What’s the final move for embracing your idea? Gathering all the answers you’ve generated before, and fully envisioning yourself in the middle of it. You’re driving your food truck, selling tacos and ice cream desserts, which is totally possible since you have a cooler inside your truck that you installed while customizing an old school bus in your friend’s workshop.
By envisioning this possible future, you’ll build up the confidence you need to move forward with your project. Your idea has metamorphosed into a project, and now it needs a plan. So it’s time to move to the next step.
Step 2: Preparing the Plan
Start brainstorming in earnest. Find out more about what you want to do. Conduct thorough research and make sure you’re marching forward with the best plan possible. This can mean a lot of things, such as looking into startup costs, checking out local laws and regulations, finding where you can buy equipment and supplies, and numerous other things.
For example, you should figure out where you can buy a truck, how you can get it customized, and also what type of food you should sell. You should take a look at the local eatery scene and ask yourself what type of food people will be interested in buying, and where can you park your truck to attract a lot of traffic.
You also need to think about branding. These days, you have to stand out if you want to attract customers. So what makes your business unique? Think of a catchy name with a logo that will go well with your truck’s design.
Start looking into food costs by going to markets and calling up suppliers to compare prices and quality, then compose your menu, including prices. You need to make sure you figure everything out and sort it into a plan before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Set a Schedule
Once you have your detailed plan in place, you need to set up a schedule to accomplish it. Make a to-do list based on your plan and try to schedule everything down to a day-by-day time frame. What do you need to accomplish on day one? How about day two? Three? You get the point. When you’re done, it’s time to get down on business.
For example:
Day 1: You buy a truck and take it to the customization shop
Day 2: Set up your business and take care of permits
Day 3: You print up menus and start acquiring supplies
Step 4: Stick to the Schedule!
Now that your to-do list is ready, all that’s left is to do is follow it and watch your project gradually come to life. Having been there, and done, I can tell you that this will be one of the most exciting times of your life. Stick to your schedule, and even when you do suffer setbacks, make sure you are always striving forward.
Step 5: Stay flexible
To wrap up, remember that these steps should act as a guide, not rules without exception. If you need to put additional dates on the schedule, move certain things back a few days, or otherwise change up your plans, why not? It’s the end result that matters the most. Yes, you’ll most likely stumble along the way, but as long as you stay dedicated to bringing your dream to life, you stand a good chance of succeeding. The most important thing is to not sway from the path.
Now you know how to turn an idea into a reality, right? Hoard no more, people. Turn your ideas into projects, plan them out, and get to work!
Of course, if your next great idea is to create an explainer video for your startup business (which is a great idea, by the way), you can just skip all the steps above and contact us for help. That’s the special step “zero” for you: if we’re here to plan for you, why plan yourself?
Cheers!
