Ideas shape the world around us. Countless ideas have created everything we enjoy in life. From the wheel to the horse-drawn carriage to the automobile. From the roof over our head to indoor plumbing and electricity. From the transistor to computers and the internet. Can you think of anything that exists that did not start with an idea? Anything at all? I am having a hard time finding something.
Two types of ideas
We can easily identify two basic types of ideas. First, there are the ideas that create new things that have not previously existed. Some of these ideas are groundbreaking and extraordinary, while others are simple.
Second are the ideas that improve what already exists. We see this all the time with our phones. At the rate they are improved and updated, my iPhone 12 will be replaced by the iPhone 10,000 before long!
The origination of ideas
From where do all of these ideas come? Our thoughts!
The thoughts of people have birthed every idea that exists. I find that to be fascinating. A simple thought can create an idea that can create something else that can change the world!
"Thought is, perhaps, the forerunner and even the mother of ideas, and ideas are the most powerful and the most useful things in the world." George Gardner (1837–1897)
Tangible and intangible ideas
Do you not find it interesting how a creation from an idea can be tangible or intangible? An idea can create a material/physical object. Once created, the object can generate countless ideas as it is changed or improved.
An idea can also create something intangible. Something that cannot be seen or touched. An idea can create a concept, theory, process, method, procedure, philosophy, or many other things. The creation of an idea also creates more ideas.
The intangible form of ideas can "touch" or influence our thoughts, what we do, who we are, and who we are becoming. In fact, thoughts, and therefore ideas, create our entire life and how we live it.
You are a creator
Because you have a brain and think, you create ideas. Since you create ideas, you are a creator. As a creator, your ideas can create virtually anything.
Most of us go through life unaware of how much and how often our ideas are creating. You begin to create each day the moment you wake up. You take actions, one after another. These actions move you through the day, creating along the way. Then they move you back to bed at night, and it starts all over again the next day. What makes life interesting are these ideas that happen along the way and the resulting creations.
Paying attention to ideas
When you begin to pay attention to the ideas you regularly generate, you will be amazed at how often they enter your mind. For instance, When I woke up this morning, I did my usual morning reading. Because I recently began paying more attention to the ideas I generate, I came up with several, wrote them down in my idea journal, and this article resulted. As I started to write, more ideas flowed.
When you begin to pay attention to your ideas, you will realize how natural it is to have them. Whether you know it or not, you are an idea-generating machine! Each of us generates so many ideas it is impossible to remember, much less act on all of them. Every day, week, month, and year each of us creates so many ideas they can overwhelm us if we are not careful.
Recording ideas
This is where the rubber hits the road – an idea is just another thought. It will remain a thought until you do something with it. Unless you take action on an idea, it can dissolve into nothingness.
How many times have you had a sudden inspiration (an idea) that you forgot because you didn't write it down! We all have them. You know the type of idea I mean—the kind that seems so brilliant you could never forget it. Yet, an hour later, you struggle to recall it. If you haven't experienced this yet, live a little longer, and you will! When you have such ideas, it is essential to record them immediately or risk losing them, possibly forever.
I always try to record ideas in my idea journal. If I don't have a pen and paper handy, I dictate an email on my phone and send it to myself. We have it so good because of tech today!
Be sure to review your ideas occasionally. You will be astounded at what you have recorded and the ideas you will have when you reflect on them.
Never forget the old saying: "A short pencil is better than a long memory!"
Final thoughts
Our thoughts create our life, and ideas are essential to our existence. Ideas are vital to shaping our life as we live on this earth. Ideas make life interesting, exciting and add significantly to each of our lives, individually and collectively.
So long as people exist, the world will remain filled with ideas. You never know which will be the next idea that will change the world or make someone extraordinarily wealthy.
Why not begin to think about ideas, pay attention to them, record those that are good in a journal, and create something amazing in your life!
I leave you with a quote by a "brilliant" person (pun intended!) to think about as you go through your day:
"Good ideas are common – what's uncommon are people who'll work hard enough to bring them about." Ashleigh Brilliant (1933-present)