Purposefully Cool Jobs
So What is Your One Big Idea?
Everything begins with that one big idea—that one idea that you plan to use to build your business or side hustle. What makes it purposefully cool is that you have brainstormed and came up with it yourself. It can be a product, a service or both. Many times it combines more than one interest or passion that you may have.
This is where focusing and really listening to your life and what it is trying to tell you comes into play. In a world of distractions, many people have forgotten the lost art of just zeroing in and focusing.
What Should You Be Asking Yourself at This Time?
The four main questions should be:
- What do I really want my life to look like for the second half?
- Am I an introvert or an extrovert?
- Am I more left-brained or right-brained?
- Am I a Type A or a Type B Personality?
Many times as you really begin brainstorming your idea, you will find that what you gravitate towards certain things or types of work. You also tend to enjoy doing certain things no matter what.
Your idea will probably just need a little tweaking and a launch plan. I always like to say that this is “art is in the start.” But you will still need to get to the finish line!
So How Big Does My Big Idea Have to Be?
It really doesn’t have to be all that big. Someone once said that “there is no new thing under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9, KJV).
This is so true when it comes to a big idea. How many times have you seen a product that has been around for a while and then suddenly it gets a “do-over” and solves another problem or helps another demographic of the population?
A perfect example would be I saw a cane in Dr. Leonard’s catalog the other day. While there is nothing new with people using a cane to walk, what was different about this cane (the Campbell Posture Cane™) was that it was made to help people improve their posture by having them stand up straighter and use it instead of having to lean or develop a hunched-over posture using a more traditional cane. Brilliant idea!
Learn to Develop an “Opportunist” Mindset
Before you can develop an opportunist mindset, you will need to do a bit of personal development using some of the above information. Then when you are out and about in the world, observe what people are doing. Ask yourself a few of these questions:
- What are they struggling with?
- What could they do safer?
- What could they do faster, better or more efficiently?
- What service or product could I offer them?
Need More Examples?
Okay, here you go. How about these real life examples below:
This mother of five in the United Kingdom came up with the idea of labeled seat belts for kids.
This former boat builder now sculpts wooden bathtubs.
This 11 year old invented a non-spill coffee cup for her grandfather who has Parkinson’s disease.
Just think if two of these ideas were invented by children, how much more could you do with your 50+ life experience and expertise.
Your one big idea should as much as possible align with your:
- passions
- interests
- faith
- collaborative style
- work style
- life expectations
- values
- vision
- creativity
- sleep and body cycles
- tolerance levels
- positive life experiences
It may seem like a lot, but I can assure you that it really isn’t. Most people are subconsciously using most of these anyway when they brainstorm their idea. They just aren’t aware of it. I have coached my people who had no idea what they even wanted, but nailed it after just one coaching session.
What If You Don’t What to Invent Something as An Idea?
Then don’t. Just reinvent yourself as a freelancer (writer, photographer, crafter, etc.). Get more ideas suited for you on the WAH Jobs and Freelance Gigs page.
As we have already established, there is no new thing under the sun.
Just Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Your Dream
We are at the halfway mark here in life, so get started today. If not now, then when? There is no perfect day, perfect month, or perfect event on your calendar that something unexpected might come up.
The world is waiting for your contribution. Let’s do this thing! TODAY. Give me a call.