I don't know about you but there are frequently times when I'm standing in the shower and a revelation hits me. I am struck with an idea on how to do something better, a product that should be created, or a revolutionary new approach to a situation. There used to be a time when I would grab that dripping wet idea and run through the virtual streets of my mind shouting "Eureka". However, as I've grown older my approach has changed. My thinking on the subject of inspiration has changed. Now the importance of timing inspiration is far more important than before. What exactly do I mean when I say timing of inspiration? It's simple really. i have written before that ideas are cheap. It's not so much the realization of a new product which holds the value. Sure, everyone wants innovation and everyone is looking for that stunning idea. And yes, the concept of innovation and inspiration are closely linked. What I think important to remember (and too often its not) is the timing factor. Simply having that epiphany or realizing there is a solution which hadn't been thought of previously is not nearly as important as properly timing and executing on that idea.
"Timing in life is everything." - John Sculley
Timing the Market
I would like to suggest that the timing of an idea is of critical importance to its longterm success in the marketplace. There are several aspects of timing which need to be considered when discussing timing inspiration for success. What I mean is if you don't properly plan for and execute your idea then it will be either launched prematurely or delayed past the point of relevancy. Timing is critical. You must determine the exact moment at which the market will be most accepting of your idea and follow your inspiration. If you release too soon then you run the risk of being too far ahead for the mainstream. If you release too late then this means usually either the problem you were hoping to solve has faded or someone else has found a better solution already.
Timing the Work Day
The next part of timing which perhaps carries the most weight of all is the idea of timing the execution of the idea in your work day. You've only been given a set amount of hours in which to work each day. (Unfortunately this is the case, if you have found a way around this please let me know). Since we're limited by time we must maximize every minute for utmost efficiency and longterm success. We have to analyze the potential for success of each idea before blindly chasing each flash of inspiration. If we don't practice this idea of timing but run headlong after every fleeting idea flickering through our heads the result will be an erratic meandering path without purpose, without direction, and most likely without success.
Timing the Ideas
I left this one for last for a couple of reasons, first the article flows from the broad view of the market to the very specific view of an individual moment of inspiration, but secondly because I wanted this concept to be the final one. The idea of timing ideas is tricky. Inspiration is not necessarily something which happens on command or on a time schedule. As I mentioned in the beginning often I found my inspiration to occur during my morning shower. I said I didn't go running after each new idea any more quite like I used to, but that doesn't mean I ignore or forget the idea by any means. Rather, I make a mental note and write the idea down in my idea book which I carry around with me and take a more methodical approach. Inspiration is not the rushed instantaneous feeling you get when a realization hits you. Inspiration is the well-thought-out execution of a brand-new revolutionary idea at the proper time and in the proper place. Too many times it seems we place all the importance of an idea on the immediacy and almost frenetic pace with which that idea is shared with others. Timing the idea to give it the proper focus allow it the proper steps to be successful is important.
Methodical But Not Slow
So, here's the bottom line. I've learned rather than losing my head and chasing off after every novel idea or moment of inspiration that hits me. I take a more careful approach. I evaluate each inspiration and weigh the risks and rewards of pursuing it. If after this evaluation I determine the idea is still a good one and worthy of pursuit I plan a strategic course for making the dream a reality. There's an interesting notion that seems to exist which implies methodical execution is somehow slow and undesirable. That is simply untrue. Methodical means following a plan and having a purpose. This methodical approach can be every bit as quick as any other delivery approach. But the value lies in the checks and balances involved in following a plan. It allows you to evaluate the worthiness of the idea and keeps you from blindly following paths which will not ultimately help you accomplish your goals. The next time you are struck with an idea think about how you are going to plan for its success. Don't blindly meander around following every new bit of inspiration that pops into your head. Of course it would be nice if you could heat the butter at the same time as the toast so it spread easier...but is that the best use of your time. Timing your inspiration allows you to organize your ideas for maximum impact. Timing the market, the work day, and the idea itself is ultimately timing inspiration. Practice this approach and see how quickly you accomplish your goals.