Protecting Your Creative Ideas
“A new idea is delicate. It can be killed by a sneer or a yawn; it can be stabbed to death by a joke or worried to death by a frown on the right person’s brow.” ~ Charles Brower
It may come to you like a bolt out of the blue, or maybe as softly as a whisper, this new, original, creative idea of yours. It may show up fully formed and finely detailed, or it may playing hide and seek in your mind. No matter how it finds you, the important thing is to get into action and see where it leads. It may lead nowhere, spinning off into the void. Or, it may lead you to something really great.
Your great new idea is your creative brainchild, and should be treated with care, respect and protection. In this beginning stage of the creative process, you may be feeling a mix of conflicting emotions. Excited and hesitating. Focused and fuzzy. Confident and doubting. Patience and a sense of urgency. Protective and trusting.Why am I writing about this now, you may be asking? This week a creative idea came to me with a jolt. A big idea that could become something wonderful. An idea so big, that it felt like I finally found the key I had been searching for. And then, all of a sudden, I was swirling in the creative chaos that is so essential to bring dreams to fruition. As many of us already know, no matter how much we wish that it could be orderly and obedient, the creative process is rarely tidy.One part of me wanted to cradle my new, original idea close, and keep it just to myself. Another part wanted to shout it from the rooftops, even though I know it isn’t time yet. When I settled in a bit, I knew I wanted to try the idea out with a few trusted folks. People that I knew would be honest and supportive. People who could have fun playing with me and my idea, without attachment. People I could trust to not swipe my idea, not until it was ready to be passed lovingly to them. People who would give me the space to listen to my ramblings, and help me find more clarity. Patient people. You get the idea.
Which is why it is so important for you to find those people in your life, too. Your new creative brainchild is still in the space to be protected and nurtured. Who can you trust to do the same, with compassion, confidentiality and non-attachment. These people may not be people who love you – such as some of your family, friends or colleagues. These people may want to keep you safe from harm or disappointment, keep you from change, and any manner of other things. These people are great to share your original thoughts with once they have grown and are able to stand on their own merit. In fact, once you are confident enough to not let their thoughts or opinions make a difference, you can let them in on your thinking. But, not before.
I have seen too many people share a creative idea with loved ones before its time, with disappointing or devastating results. Just because you don’t share your every creative thought, doesn’t mean you are withholding or not being honest. Ask for the time you need before sharing. If they truly care, they’ll get it. If they don’t, have compassion and protect your creative baby anyway. This will give you the space necessary to play with the possibilities of your creative idea. And, when you give your creative idea that space, just imagine…