Choosing what to do first can be tough when too many ideas compete for my attention.
I wrestle with this dilemma each time I peruse one of my many idea lists, such as potential blog posts or products for my business.
In my mind’s eye, each new idea glows with buzzy optimism. The idealist in me likes to believe I’ll get to all of them. And each one will be a smashing success.
Yet the same idea can take on an aura of guilt as it lingers on a plain sheet of paper. The longer an idea gets left behind, I wonder if I am letting myself down for not acting on it. This clouds my judgment and motivation.
Here, when choosing is tough, it is useful to remind myself that an idea is not an obligation.
Life is fluid. Priorities shift. Often an idea on my list is a mere reflection of what I was open to receiving when it came into my awareness. Pursuing it here and now may not be the highest, best use of my energy in the current moment.
However, this doesn’t mean I should abandon it. Even if I may have at least temporarily forgotten why it was a good idea to begin with.
Hence, the second reminder. An idea does not expire unless I let it.
An idea filled with magical cosmic promise when birthed in my consciousness may die unfulfilled if crossed out prematurely with my ordinary pen.
Neither reminder is intended to justify procrastination.
Our ideas are opportunities, not burdens. That is why our most compelling ideas are means to express our gifts, solve problems, and serve larger missions.
After all, each of us began as an idea in the mind of our Creator. Each of us is loved and guided, no matter what idea we choose (or when).
This is true even when it is especially tempting to toss aside the idea that carries the highest degree of difficulty or risk.
Perhaps the “how” behind the idea provokes fear of the unknown, of failure, of rejection. Perhaps the path to success isn’t readily apparent yet because key ingredients or knowledge isn’t in your possession yet.
But what if you know synchronistic meetings and solutions will show up once you take inspired action? Would your choice be different?
This doesn’t mean we should operate entirely in the spiritual realm while dismissing practical considerations. Choosing well is an art that requires both heart and head.
Timing is especially important with business ideas. The age-old debate between art and commerce is often decided on the day the rent is due. There is nothing inherently wrong with that.
The comfort in the familiar can be a good thing. Success breeds confidence. An idea requiring steady, sensible execution in the short-term could provide an energy or material boost for long-term high-reward adventures.
But everything is still united and connected, no matter our perspective. Any division between practical and spiritual is one we make ourselves. Neither is more important than the other, or different.
Of course, no matter what idea we choose to act on, our execution determines its success. But often even a seeming failure can lead to something new and better. The biggest opportunities often first show up as our biggest challenges.
However, knowing we are never acting alone elevates our choices even in the midst of seemingly mundane tasks.
This can be the most helpful reminder, if you choose to accept it: The same power that birthed infinite galaxies and stars is operating in your life and everyone else on the planet.
Operating in this awareness, ideas are not high stakes use-them-or-lose-them propositions. Ideas are infinite.
Our lives — just like our ideas — become opportunities for greatness.
This post was originally published at FinerMinds.com.