Let’s Talk About That Dumpster Full of Ideas You’re Not Executing
If you’re anything like me, your mind is a whirlwind of ideas. Ideas for your business, ideas for expansion, ideas for innovation. And while having a surplus of ideas seems like a great problem to have, it can often lead to what’s lovingly referred to as "shiny object syndrome." Chasing every new idea can pull you away from your focus, leaving you with a metaphorical dumpster full of unfinished or poorly executed concepts.
The truth? Not every idea is worth pursuing. Discerning which ideas to execute and which to kindly let go is the skill that can define the success of your business. The key is clarity. Clarity on your values, your why, and your resources. With that clarity, you can multiply your impact.
Here’s how to strategically decide which ideas deserve your attention and energy.
1. Start with Your Values
Ask yourself, "Does this idea align with my company and personal values?"
Your values are the compass guiding your decisions. They reflect what you stand for as a leader and a business. If a particular idea doesn’t align with them, it’s wise to set it aside. Remember, growth achieved through compromise on your core beliefs isn’t meaningful growth.
For example, if compassion for people is a value close to your organization’s heart, jumping into a market that prioritizes profit over people could take you off course. Stay rooted in what matters most to you.
2. Define Your Why
Why do you want to execute this idea? Motivation matters.
Take a moment to check in with yourself. Are you pursuing the idea because it feels right, or is it because everyone else is doing it? Does it align with your mission, or is it a reaction to external pressure?
Then, evaluate your capacity:
Do you have the financial resources to make it happen?
Are you mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared to invest time and effort into this?
Do you have the team support to bring it to life?
Remember, no one builds a business in isolation. You need people, resources, and alignment to transform a great idea into tangible outcomes.
3. Conduct a Market Analysis
Have you read the room? Before you leap, examine the landscape.
Is someone already doing it? If yes, how successful are they?
Is there room for you in this space? Can you bring something unique to the table?
What’s your competitive edge? How can you stand out?
Answer these questions honestly. Sometimes the market simply isn’t ready for your idea, or the terrain might be oversaturated. However, if you discover an untapped opportunity or a niche you can dominate, then you may have struck gold.
4. Understand Your Customers
Your customers are your guide. Do they really need what you’re offering?
Have you spoken to them about this idea?
Is there a clear pain point you’re solving?
Will they pay for it?
Who is your ideal customer, and how will they find you?
Customer-centricity is non-negotiable. Even the best ideas will fail without demand or buy-in from your target audience. And don’t guess here. Engage with your customers directly to validate the need for your idea.
When It’s Time to Go All-In
If your idea aligns with your values, serves your “why,” has room in the market, and resonates with your customers, then it’s GO time. Bring it to life with confidence.
Nobody can guarantee success, but here’s something even better to remember: It’s always worth it. Whether the idea flourishes or fails, you’ll gain invaluable experience, insights, and growth.
Wrapping It Up
Having a dumpster full of ideas isn’t inherently bad—but leaving them scattered and cluttered in the background of your business will lead to distraction, not transformation. By aligning your ideas with your values and goals, you can move forward with focus and clarity, creating impact where it really matters. And that’s what true growth is all about.
Not sure how to evaluate your next big idea? I’m here to help. Schedule a consultation, and together, we’ll sift through your dumpster of genius to uncover the next great opportunity. You’ve got the ideas, and we’ve got the strategy to make them shine.
Now, imagine this moment of clarity multiplying your impact. That’s the magic of choosing the right idea at the right time. Let's make it happen.
