What Big Thinkers Do
Big thinkers systematically create powerful new ideas, but first they create a process to come up with those ideas. Author Seth Godin, for example, blogs a new idea every single day. In fact, a blog is a wonderful place to organize your thoughts.
Big thinkers also aggressively execute on these ideas, even when the ideas are not completely ready. Consultant and author Alan Weiss believes a person should move when 80% ready. Chances are, only you will know the last 20% is missing. Yet, it’s this last 20% that keeps nearly all of us from moving forward on a good idea. Why don’t we think 80% is enough? For the same reasons I mentioned in the introduction: fear, caution, perfection and past experiences.
People who think big often perfect instead of invent. Think about every category Apple has dominated: smart phones, tablets, music downloading, software distribution. Apple wasn’t first to any of those categories, but it quickly perfected each. Similarly, there were retailers before Amazon, and there were grocery stores before Trader Joe’s. Big thinkers don’t necessarily have to blaze trails. They just have to make their trails the best freaking trails on the planet.
Similarly, big thinkers are selective about where they make a difference. Apple is famously particular about what it manufactures. Amazon is, too. While it’s making book readers and a few cheap accessories under its own brand, I doubt we’ll see it get into productivity software, like Google. And many say that Google isn’t being selective enough.
How to Think Big
I tell my clients every day that they can change their thinking. Here’s how.
ONE// Burn your baggage.
To get started, sit down in a place where you cannot be interrupted, and identify the experiences that are getting in the way. Then, understand this enormous truth: It’s over. Don’t allow it to negatively affect your future.
TWO// Give yourself a place to think and have ideas.
A blog is nearly a perfect arrangement for this. But so is a notebook. What’s critical is to carve out the time on your calendar and stick to it. Call it your idea time.
THREE// Execute on your ideas when you’re almost ready.
Remember, the last 20% is not what matters. Be bold!
FOUR// Start a lot.
If you find yourself procrastinating, start working on something. It’s physics. An object at rest stays at rest, and motion begets motion. Move.
FIVE// Get a reality check.
Why? Earlier in my career, I was stunned to find that most of my clients’ customers actually thought more positively about them than they thought about themselves. Don’t be afraid to find out where you stand.
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