Lessons from the Movies #1

Pop Quiz: How many years did it take Doc Emmett Brown to build his Delorean time machine?

a) 10 years
b) 20 years
c) 30 years
d) 31 years

The answers, is c) 30 years. That's a long time wasn't it?

Now when most of us have an idea, we're all very excited to work on it. At most times, we are so excited that we become very anxious and impatient, leading to quick disappointments the moment the idea becomes derailed or deviated or we're simply told it won't work.

We've also heard and seen plenty of motivational quotes and posters, about not giving up on our idea or dreams so soon, but not many of us have the patience to carry on keeping the idea.

At most times, plans don't often go the way we wanted to, but if you planned it well you are more likely to be prepared whenever there's a moment that tries to derail you.
 Many of us love to compare with overnight success of many successful businessman, but little do we know that, that overnight success was the culmination of months or maybe even years of planning, falling down and getting up again. In the Back to the Future movie, Doc Brown spent 30 years on the DeLorean but we never see what he did in between, which was revealed: he sold off his family fortune and even had to work with terrorists to buy nuclear power!

Just because you didn't see doesn't mean it didn't happen.

Now, when an idea requires you to revisit it, it's a good time to sit down and improve it!

If your friends tell you your idea won't work, ask them or get a few more opinions. Most friends tell you things you need to hear to protect you so they may not be brutally honest with you, so get a 2nd opinion.

If your boss says your idea is silly, try asking your him (although he may not have the time to tell you) but if he does he may tell you more than what your co-worker know, as you boss may have his personal reason and experience to tell you why it didn't work.

If no one wants to tell you, then do a little market research or role playing yourself. Whenever I faced a stumbling block I went running and i role-played in my head as I ran.... and I can tell you that when your mind is clear and body is working with adrenaline ideas or solutions come easier, especially after a hot shower right after that!

So when a plan or idea doesn't work out, take it easy. Keep the idea in view for you to revisit at a later date, because the idea might not work today for various reasons such as poor internet penetration, slow smartphone adoption, the technology isn't available yet or simply it wasn't the right time yet, don't fret. 

It's good to revisit ideas, it let's you improve them. If you have the patience, then you are well on the way to making the idea realize itself!