"Your idea has no value"

I recently read (and then re-read twice) a post about changing the way society works by Joshua Tauberer that required the swallowing of some pride for me. You see, I like to think that I have great ideas. Sometimes, I am actually right. Unfortunately, ideas are only a tiny part of the equation when it comes to effecting real change and a meaningful impact on the world around us.

Josh's article can be found here and it is definitely worth reading completely, but the big take-home message for me is this:

Your idea has no value. It’s all about execution.

No idea you have today will turn out to be right. It’s not how the world works.

Successful ideas are outcomes, not starting points. It doesn’t matter what your idea is if you’re willing to let your experiences guide you.

Do something. Do it quickly & cheaply. Then see if it works. Get validation. But then have the humility to say some things you did worked better than others. Repeat and expand on what worked. Keep doing that for the rest of your life.

The idea that an idea's value is dictated wholly by the outcome of its execution is humbling. I have known a hundred people who have great ideas, and I immediately write them off because I know that they cannot execute on them, but I still want to believe that my ideas are special and my lack of execution is somehow more acceptable.

The thing is, I don't really have any excuses. Never in recorded history have we been equipped to do so much as individuals to promote change.

Josh put a tl;dr at the bottom of the article that, with minor modification, could be taught in every high school, college, and church in America. Just substitute the word democracy or government with whatever group of humans you feel passionate about helping.

• If you’re dedicated to fixing democracy, I can’t help you. Your ego is far too big.
• Narrow your focus. The world is unbelievably complicated. Pick a small problem. It’ll turn out to be a big problem in disguise.
• Make sure you’re solving a problem real people have, and preferably people with less power than you. Real problems are out there, and you may have to step away from your computer if you want to help fix them.
• Find a problem that you can make a unique contribution to, based on your own life experiences. Become an expert in it. Get a real job where you can become that expert. And then lead change on making that thing better.
• Find the humility to say your idea might be total crap, and demonstrate that you are willing to let your experiences guide you.