This sublime quote of Will Rogers – One must wait until evening to see how splendid the day has been – connects to creativity by way of a frequent request from our clients: “I want a Big Idea.”
I love Big Ideas as much as the next man, but the problem is the world only recognizes it as BIG after the fact.
In the dizzying atmosphere of a good brainstorm, even the most illogical idea sounds award-winning. But there are many paths from brainstorm toward acceptance podium.
Change to your Big Idea can come from anywhere. To name just a few: clients, budgets, vendors, plans, strategies, priorities and calendars can re-make your Big Idea into an Also-Ran. Even if everything inside goes right, outside events can trip you up. The second thing I’ll remember after the sad death of Princess Diana was its unfortunate timing on the eve of a Big Idea I was producing in New York City the following day.
Or, the opposite can come true. The most average idea you’d ever created is suddenly hit by klieg lights. Whether you underestimated the underdog, or your idea was struck by luck, you never saw BIG IDEA coming. In the end, you just never know.
So, instead of trying to focus on the outcome, consider instead a small piece of advice from Grandma Eklund. “Do the best job you can. And afterwards, pray.”
