When first approached by my mentor about an idea, I was deep in the passionate throes of another idea that I simply couldn't let go. The idea was to create a better place for my kids to live, a safer Internet, where there was no option for them to find the things I want to shield them from - yes, I as a parent do not want my children to see violence, sex, porn, and gambling. We also do not have a TV in the house, and control their viewing of videos, at the same time limiting both the use of the video and the use of the computer. Admittedly, its easier when they are young, but I figure its like seatbelts - if you get them used to a certain approach, that's what will be familiar to them.
In any event, I digress - I was in the throes. Its hard to fall in love with an idea, when you are still holding on to the one you have.
But it was an opportunity not to be missed (note to budding entrepreneurs - keep your eyes open for other ideas - sometimes your ideas are not the best out there), so as suggested, I went on an intensive research binge checking the idea from every angle. And by the end, I was in love.
Now I have a serious problem. I want to tell everyone about this idea, but I can't, because I don't want anyone to know about it. So I've re-arranged priorities to give my project as much bandwidth as I can so that we can get a product out in record time, and then start the evangelizing.
So, when I got a phone call from a friend the other day, complaining that her inlaws didn't think she was a good housekeeper (well, I've come to terms with that one a long time ago!) I was able to articulate what I've been feeling since my project has mushroomed into a passion. There was a time my life revolved around work, and only work. I had nothing else to fill the vacuum. Naturally, my house was always neat and clean - I was never home, and I had no one to dirty it between visits from the cleaner (who basically threw out last weeks leftovers, and mopped the floors). But priorities shift.
Yes, I've rearranged priorities (Tues lunch with friends is on hold till further notice), but some priorities can't be shifted any more, nor would I want them to be. My kids still get my full attention between 3:30 and 7:30, unless there is something absolutely urgent that needs seeing to. This means giving up my evenings to complete the days goals, but again thats shifting priorities. So, the house is not as neat as I would like, and the help I get in twice a week can't figure which pants belong to which child - but at least my two passions (kids and 'my little secret') get the majority of my attention. Yes, you should be passionate about your product, but don't forget - there is life out there too.
In any event, I digress - I was in the throes. Its hard to fall in love with an idea, when you are still holding on to the one you have.
But it was an opportunity not to be missed (note to budding entrepreneurs - keep your eyes open for other ideas - sometimes your ideas are not the best out there), so as suggested, I went on an intensive research binge checking the idea from every angle. And by the end, I was in love.
Now I have a serious problem. I want to tell everyone about this idea, but I can't, because I don't want anyone to know about it. So I've re-arranged priorities to give my project as much bandwidth as I can so that we can get a product out in record time, and then start the evangelizing.
So, when I got a phone call from a friend the other day, complaining that her inlaws didn't think she was a good housekeeper (well, I've come to terms with that one a long time ago!) I was able to articulate what I've been feeling since my project has mushroomed into a passion. There was a time my life revolved around work, and only work. I had nothing else to fill the vacuum. Naturally, my house was always neat and clean - I was never home, and I had no one to dirty it between visits from the cleaner (who basically threw out last weeks leftovers, and mopped the floors). But priorities shift.
Yes, I've rearranged priorities (Tues lunch with friends is on hold till further notice), but some priorities can't be shifted any more, nor would I want them to be. My kids still get my full attention between 3:30 and 7:30, unless there is something absolutely urgent that needs seeing to. This means giving up my evenings to complete the days goals, but again thats shifting priorities. So, the house is not as neat as I would like, and the help I get in twice a week can't figure which pants belong to which child - but at least my two passions (kids and 'my little secret') get the majority of my attention. Yes, you should be passionate about your product, but don't forget - there is life out there too.
Comments