I’m not even going to hold you, Reader. I repeat the subject line of this email to myself all the time: everything doesn’t have to be a brand or a business. Believe me when I tell you that I’m preaching to the choir. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned about cultivating creativity, it’s that while ideas are part of the creative process, not every idea is worth pursuing.
Just because you have a dope conversation with a friend doesn’t mean you need a podcast.
Just because you make creative gifts doesn’t mean you need to open up a Shopify account or start your Etsy shop.
Just because you like wearing hoodies doesn’t mean you have to start dropshipping tomorrow.
Now, am I trying to discourage you from living your best life and having a booming business? Not at all. On the contrary, I want that for you. In fact, I’ve produced podcasts, currently sell my MOXIE Nashville merch on Shopify, and use dropshipping to ship it:
I’m speaking about those ideas that we kick ourselves over for never making it out of the graveyard section of our Notes app. You know the ideas we planned to launch, but never researched how to get started, asked anyone with experience, or took any steps toward executing.
Here’s the thing, my friend, we need to qualify our ideas. Sometimes, the very creative works that keep us up at night were never meant to be more than a hobby or a project, but we haven’t even asked enough questions to pressure-test them and figure that out.
For example, I had a client approach me for a project that was a bit of a heavy lift. I knew it would be at least a year-long endeavor, and I couldn’t do it by myself, so I called two good friends to see if they’d be interested in a partnership. Thankfully, they were down and we drew up the paperwork for our partnership agreement (because paperwork is still important, even among friends).
We never announced the business and ran it for a few years, alongside our personal endeavors. We kept it as lean as possible with minimal meetings, lots of automation, and only one email address for our client, which we all shared. It rewired my entire understanding of the purposes a business can serve. Once the project was done, we folded the company and never looked back.
If we hadn’t thought, “How can we make this as convenient as possible?” before we drew up the paperwork, we may have set out to scale a business that was initially only necessary for a few projects.
If one thing getting older has taught me, it is to take a beat before expending time and resources. Just a little pause can be enough time to think more deeply and ask meaningful questions that may influence your decision. While I understand the importance of striking while the iron is hot, our creative energy is precious and shouldn’t be used frivolously for every undertaking. What’s for you won’t miss you.
Before you hit the checkout button on the Amazon cart full of equipment and reach out to a designer on Fiverr to create your logo, ask yourself, “Would I want to be doing this five years from now?”
Whether the answer is yes or no is not as important as your understanding of the work’s purpose so that you can manage your expectations accordingly. If you decide to pursue your idea, check out this resource from Columbia University on The Eisenhower Matrix to help you prioritize what’s next so you’re not overwhelmed. Understanding the difference between an idea that is urgent and one that is important can save you a lot of filing fees and domain purchases.
You know that I truly believe that we’re on earth to pursue our purposes. Additionally, responsibility is required when using the gifts and talents in that pursuit. Whether your pursuit becomes a business or a hobby, do your best to steward it well and enjoy what you’re building along the way.
Always speak life,
Vannesia
Continue the Conversation:
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Vannesia Darby, Ph.D., is an award-winning marketer, entrepreneur, and researcher. In her biweekly newsletter, she shares her thoughts on life, business, and career and what she’s learning along the way. Her hope is that you feel encouraged to create a purposeful life without losing yourself.