Ideas are invisible tools.
I’ve heard a lot of good ideas but so often I don’t see them implemented. Then later in my life, I remember something someone said, and the next thing I know that idea works for the situation I’m in.
Then I wonder why others don’t use their own ideas, and that’s when the invisible nature of ideas comes in.
When an idea is used in the wrong way there is no visual reference to show you why. If ideas were more tangible tools it wouldn’t be hard to see why they didn’t work: if you saw someone trying to use a screwdriver as a hammer you could easily step in and help.
Ideas are not so easy to work out, especially when people get attached to the idea like it’s some measure of their self-worth.
Ideas can be used in the wrong way and it’s harder to realize. It is especially hard when we protect them too long, hold them as special and don’t trust others, or accept feedback.
I’ve been prone to frustration from things “not working” and left a lot of my good ideas behind. I’ve also seen a lot of ideas better than mine left behind. I’ve learned from others and listened to good advice. This has helped me out a lot. Sadly, I’ve seen so many of the people who came up with these great ideas struggling despite their genius.
I think it’s time we stop letting frustration get the best of us. The best medicine would be to stop holding back on our own just because they didn’t work once. Frustration translates to dismissing other people and not listening to new ideas. People should waste less time thinking about failures and take pride in their great ideas, dust them off, and see where they might fit better in new situations.
Maybe the idea was good but the situation wasn’t right. No matter how fancy a tool you have, you still can’t hammer a screw!