Are You an Idea Addict?
There are lots of things in this world people get addicted to: alcohol, nicotine, heroin, sex, and iPhones, just to name a few. But perhaps the biggest addiction of them all is the addiction to our own ideas. Here's how it works:
We think something up. We feel a buzz. We tweak it, we name it, we pitch it, and POOF, the addiction begins.
At first, like most habits, it's a casual pursuit with a thousand positive side effects: increased energy, renewed focus, and a general feeling of well-being. Like wow, man. But then... we think about it in the shower. We think about it in the car. We think about it when people are asking us to think about other things. We even dream about it.
Soon we want everyone to know about it. We want them to feel the buzz. We want them to nod in agreement. We want them to recognize just how pure our fixation is.
If this is where it ended, it wouldn't be that big of a deal. I wouldn't be calling it an addiction. Maybe I'd be calling it an "inspiration," or a "commitment" or a "visitation from the Muse." But it doesn't end there. It goes on and on and on and on -- often to our own detriment.
If you are launching a new, creative venture, of course, you want to onjure up cool ideas. That's a good thing. But if you cling to ideas just because they're yours, or just because you've invested major time and energy into in them, then it's time to take a good look of what "intoxicating ideas" of yours it might be time to let go. Commitment is one thing. Addiction is quite another.
What hot, new idea of yours might you be just a little bit too addicted to?
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at August 16, 2017 08:20 PM
Comments
Great article. I have a terrible habit of becoming entranced by my ideas and staring at them indefinitely after they have become realized. I know that's terribly vain, but I was reminded of that by your article. Sometimes we need to back off and take an objective view of things -- easier said than done.
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at January 18, 2011 07:14 PM
Like anything else moderation is the key. If you get a brain tic and perseverate on one idea, then you will be blinded by the other ideas that you should be paying attention to. Thanks for pointing out the addictive potential of exciting ideas and our need to stay mindful of creating a healthy idea balance.
Appreciatively,
Dr. Lynn K. Jones, Certified Personal and Executive Coach
www.lynnkjones.com
Posted by: Lynn Jones at December 17, 2011 06:55 PM
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