“Turn every idea upside down to see
if there is an expiration date stamped on the bottom.”
~Thomas Shepherd
While it may sound strange to check for the "expiration date" of ideas as if they were carton of milk or a loaf of bread, the timing of an idea may be vital to its success. When you have ideas or opportunities to develop something new, check to see what the urgency is of creating it. Ideas that fit with the needs of those around you deserve a higher priority. You don't want to miss your window of opportunity. Some ideas have a much longer "shelf life," however. In fact, the current conditions might not support your pursuit of that idea. If that is the case, write down the idea on a piece of paper and save it in a "parking lot." Your parking lot is the place where you "park" your ideas until a) you have more time; or b) the timing is right to pursue it. But make sure you note that "expiration date" so that you don't wait too long!
This week: Just notice the "expiration date" on ideas you have or those others approach you with. How does knowing that change the priority you assign it? Is there something you need to do to make sure that you don't end up throwing out perfectly good ideas because you've waited too long to use them? At the end of this week, make a decision about how you are going to incorporate "expiration dates" into your use of ideas.
Linda Pucci, Ph.D. is a psychologist, life coach and expert at helping people achieve goals they had not thought possible using her solution focused approach. She helps clients take the necessary action to reach goals efficiently and to overcome any mindset limitations that might be interfering with success. For more information, go to http://www.InnerResourceCenter.com
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