Tuesday, February 15, 2005

Behind every great idea is someone saying, "It just won't work."

You know you've heard that statement, either in comment or in your head; prior to the onset of an idea or project. In fact, you may have said it yourself - to yourself or to others. And the truth of the matter is, there is such power in that one statement: It just won't work.

Take a moment to look at that statement: It just won't work. Notice that there is no specific reason the idea or project won't work - it is just a blanket statement and excuse. There are so many possibilities for why an idea or project won't work... probably just as many as why an idea or project will work.

Now imagine yourself or a group of colleagues saying at the onset of an idea or project, "It just has to work" or "It will work." Again, another blanket statement. But think of all the possibilities how an initial idea or project could and would work. Now that's progress.

It's all a matter of energy, my friend... and where you choose to spend that energy. Either you will side with the camp that has already made up their mind that an idea or project won't work - and come up with as many excuses why it eventually will fail. Or you will side with the camp that has already made up their mind than an idea or project will work - and come up with as many possibilities for its success. Which would you prefer?

Don't get me wrong, however. Sometimes It just won't work has its place: it tends to be a major catalyst in showing up the naysayers. Show me a successful idea or project and I will show you one of two things: (1) a group of dedicated believers that guided it or (2) a doubtful attitude that served as its rocket fuel. Which one are you?