Don't Let Their View Block Your Vision

You've experienced it. You've spent hours, maybe even days, months or years creating something. You rolled it over and over in your mind until you thought it was just right.  Then when you show someone your 'Big Idea" their response is "Gee. I don't get it. I don't know what this is. What are you trying to do here? I want to see you do this. Why in the world would anyone ever buy a pet rock? This will never fly. It's a lead balloon. Trust me. I'm Gumby dammit!  " Yes indeed. If you're not careful their view will block your vision.

What Were You Thinking? 

You begin to question your concept.  You may even consider dropping the project.  And for what? To satisfy that person that didn't "get it."  Trust me. A lot of people aren't going to "get it."  Especially if it has to do with things involving Vision. So, dropping the project  may or may not be the right thing to do. But before you do anything, you need to evaluate what's causing you to question your instincts.  Your steps may vary, but here are some for you to consider.

Write It Down 

Regardless of  what you think,  don't drop this step.  Of all the things that can help you get to the root of an issue, writing it out is number one. Writing is a way of self-talk. When you keep score in your mind your always wind up with the answer you want..  When you write it down, it points out the truth.  That's why they keep score at the Super Bowl, World Series, and all elections. It makes the unseen things in your mind become visible in your choice of actions.

Consider The Source 

The Internet is obviously a huge resource. It creates more Subject Matter Experts in 10 minutes than a college does in a decade. People love to hear themselves talk. (Yes, I'll admit to that myself.) They especially love it when they get others to listen. (Guilty again!).  It's just human nature.  It doesn't make anybody a bad person. But it does mean they may be giving you bad advice. Think very deeply about where the advice is coming from, and why. Try not to use college degrees as a measuring stick. I used a barking alarm on my phone to teach my dog her mealtimes.  That doesn't mean she knows what an app is. A lot college grads are cooking french fries at McDonald's. They could have gotten that degree at Hamburger U.  Look at the person's real area of expertise.  Is it in the same arena as your project? If not, they are giving you their 'view' on the subject.  Visionary stuff is more about things that aren't here yet. You certainly qualify as a Subject Matter Expert for your own project.  Trust your intuition.

Revisit Your Planner

Was their suggestion in your anticipated results? Is it something you were planning on addressing at a later date? Adjusting your trip planner is easy. Changing your destination is a completely different matter. Keep your eye on where you're going, rather than where others want you to go.

Look For Affirmations 

They are all around you. You'll be surprised where they come from. It may be in a phrase that someone uses, a TV Commercial, or some song lyrics. But the affirmations will be there, if you look for them. Just to be clear though, by affirmations I don't mean proof that you are right.  What I mean is affirmations concerning your Vision. Be open to receiving affirmations that you could be wrong as well. It happens.

Don't Dwell On It Too Long

Life is short. Be proactive. Make a decision and act on it. Say what you have to say and be done with it.  Not everybody sees what you see. You don't see what others see. That has more to do with location than vision. If you are on a trip to Maine, you're going to see a completely different view at the rest stop in Vermont than you will in Atlanta. And that's OK.  Don't change direction and head to Kansas City just because someone else says it's a great place. Keep your bearings pointed towards your goal.
For now.. Listen to Ry Cooder. and chill out.