by Clint Owens, Owner, Vice President, and IT manager
As we go along each day at work, great, innovative ideas come to mind. However, we dismiss them or don’t share them with someone because we’re scared the idea might not stick. That great idea has succumbed to fear and starts to slip away, we fall back into our comfort zone of just doing what we always have done and we let a great idea fall to the wayside. My advice? Treat your idea like a spaghetti noodle.
Let me explain.
Growing up, my best friend Jim’s mother, Millie, was an amazing cook. Millie made her spaghetti noodles, bread, and sauces from scratch. The first time I went to my friend’s house for dinner, Millie was making spaghetti. I was sitting at the kitchen table with Jim and his brother and I noticed Millie pull a noodle from the boiling water and throw it against the wall behind the stove. I watched Mille do this three or four times. Being inquisitive, I asked Millie, “Why are you throwing the noodles against the wall?” Millie said, “When the noodle is cooked perfectly, it will stick to the wall.” So, like any other 12-year-old boy, I asked, “Can I throw one?” I actually threw two. The second noodle did stick and we all had a good laugh.
As strange as it may seem, ideas can be like the spaghetti Millie used to make. When a great idea comes to mind, let it simmer, then throw it against the wall to see if it will stick. Don’t allow discomfort and fear to undercook your ideas.
Wondering how you’re going to execute your great idea? Contact IMI Association Executives! We specialize in assisting associations turn their great ideas into reality.