We all have ideas. Whether you believe they posses the same magic as I do, everyone has experienced the various ways ideas come to you, leave you, and once in a while, are made manifest through you.
My husband and I have been talking about the concept of ideas having their own spirit floating through the consciousness that connects us all. It’s a belief Gilbert wrote about in Big Magic, and one she picked up from The Artist’s Way (next on my reading list). We sat on our couch coffee in hand as I told him about a new idea that’s been knocking on my door.
“I’m scared to tell it to go away, because I really want to make it. But I’m still in a contract with my book idea and we’re not done,” I said with all the seriousness of a heart attack.
He nodded in understanding. He’s had a few ideas that went under contract, but which he hasn’t had the time or resources to dedicate himself to. So they’re there, waiting. Some ideas are patient and really choose you. Others visit you and if you sit on your ass for too long will float away in search of their next host.
Sound crazy? Maybe. But I believe it. I know when an idea is patiently waiting and I know when it’s in a hurry. I can feel it, and chances are if you think about it, you can too.
Here is my short how-to process to bring that idea that’s chosen you to life:
Step 1 – Be inspired
This is the best phase of an idea. Think of it as the very beginning of your relationship with the idea, lots of sparks. It is the “aha moment” when something clicks and you instantly know you’re onto something.
Step 2 – Enter Into A Contract
Once you know in your heart this is an idea you want to follow through, you make an agreement with the idea, or enter into a contract so to speak.
Step 3 – Plan & Play
This is one of my favorite parts, the dreaming and planning about how to bring this idea to life. It’s a pivotal step! This is the brainstorming and strategy phase.
Step 4 – Diligently Work
Do. The. Work. This isn’t pretty and will likely look like moments of flow, something coming through you, or frustration, feeling as if you’re reaching for straws.
Step 5 – Keep Focus and Work Some More
This is without a doubt the HARDEST part of your contract and where most people drop off. Step 5 is reaching resistance. I believe we get tested whenever something is worth it. It’s the universe’s way of asking, how bad do you want this?
Step 6 – Release It Into The World
Hurray! You’ve made it. Pat yourself on the back because you have officially brought an idea from the depths of your soul into our physical world. We live in a strangely beautiful creative place and you have participated in that divine process. Although completing something brings a sense of satisfaction, it’s not what this is about. It was about the process all along. You thought all the glory resided in step 6, the end, but it the magic was in steps 1 through 5.
Step 6 marks a brief moment of achievement and an ending of a journey… And that means another idea will inevitably float around and find it’s way to you… then the entire process begins once more.
Will you answer the call? I do hope so.
Ps. If you liked this post, you may like my memior, Embrace That Girl.
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