March 3

We all have blind spots. Some of the worst ones involve our favorite ideas. When you are in the “honeymoon phase” with an idea, you only see its positive attributes. That’s why it’s such a surprise when someone else begins critiquing it. We almost feel personally offended.

“What are you talking about? I have no idea what you mean.”

Your blind spots prevent you from seeing the faults in your own idea.

A method that works really well — but must be used with caution — is what I call “be your own worst enemy.” It involves spending fifteen minutes attacking your idea from every angle, thinking of every reason why it wouldn’t work, and aggressively trying to construct an argument for why it’s not worth the time and energy to pursue. As you engage in this exercise, you are likely to uncover some weaknesses that you didn’t previously see, but in the process, you are also likely to craft it into a much more resilient idea.

Again, use this technique with caution because it’s easy to talk yourself out of pursuing a really good idea.

Be brutally honest about your ideas so that they can become their best versions.

Be your own worst enemy, and once you withstand the attacks, you will be much better positioned for success.

Which current idea that you’re working on could use a little scrutiny?