There’s an entrepreneur right now, scared to death, making excuses, saying, ‘It’s not the right time just yet.’ There’s no such thing as a good time. I started an apparel-manufacturing business in the tech-boom years. I mean, come on. Get out of your garage and go take a chance, and start your business ~ Kevin Plank

You either learn from your success and mistakes or you learn from the success and mistake of others. Its a matter of preference. So I will share with you a few things from my experience and from the experience of others that can constitute a roadblock to the conversion of your ideas into action. You will have to get through these barriers at some stage.

1. You Are Unwilling To Fail

Because you do not entertain the possibility of failure, you are slow to act on your ideas. Many of your ideas will fail. Acting on ideas is an adventure into the future and an important part of your road to success.

Without a willingness to fail, you will remain rooted to one spot and not make a move until you are comfortable with the risk. Well here is a bit of advice, don’t bet the house. There are no 100% guarantees for your ideas. Create some room in your thinking for the fact that it just might not work out as planned. Now get on with it.

2. You Are Not Talking About Your Ideas

One reason people keep their ideas to themselves is the fear that the idea will be stolen. Yes there is a real possibility of this happening. However let me assure you that no matter how unique you think your idea is, try typing it into google and see how many thousands of other people have ideas similar to yours. Good luck to whoever steals your idea.

Even if someone else puts your idea to action, you might learn some lessons from that implementation that will help you start work on yours. Besides, people can only copy your idea. They cannot copy you the idea person. They cannot copy the unique experiences, strengths and ability that make you who you are.

By talking about your ideas, you continue to refine it and get useful feedback to improve on it. it will also increase your chances of coming across willing partners and investors who will help you make it happen.

3. You Spend Time Looking For Money To Finance Your Idea

No doubt that at some point in time you will need money to finance your idea, but right now, money is not what you need. You just need to get started. You need to take the next step.

There is also what is called sweat capital by you and sweat equity from other people. Here is a simple question to ask, “What can I do right now to take action on my idea that will not cost me money?”  Come up with some ideas and then get on with it.

4. You Have Not Completed Your Last Project

Having uncompleted projects will slow down. It will distract you and dissipate your energy. There are those who believe in multitasking. I belong to that school of thought. And that for me is a weakness which I continue to do battle against every day. Resist the temptation to start on a new idea until you have brought the last one to a logical conclusion. Schedule time to work on your uncompleted ideas to finish them off.

5. You Have No Written Plan Of Action

One benefit of writing is that it clarifies your thinking. A written plan of action means you have thought things through. It also provides you with a path to follow and helps to keep you on track. No matter how unglamorous writing a plan is, it can increase your chances of success with your idea.

Your written plan will also help you to determine the logical next step. If you are at a loss of what to do next, simply look at you plan and do the next thing.

6. You Are Seeking Everyones Approval

Wake up! You are not going to get everyones approval. As a matter of fact, you are on your own for the first few miles (no matter how long that is). And even if you get their approval, then what happens? The world has changed. We live in a crowded and noisy world. If you care about the value of your idea, then begin to work at it. That is all the approval you need. Someday, it may create a platform for you to get noticed in this noisy world.

7. You Are Waiting For The Right Economic Conditions

There is a proverb that says “Don’t sit there watching the wind. Do your own work. Don’t stare at the clouds. Get on with your life”. You are going to have to take a decision based on what you know now about the economy. A decision not to implement is still a decision.

Based on what you know, there must be something you can do. Perhaps you can come up with new ideas that are suitable for the economic conditions you are in at the moment.

Why not leave a comment and tell me about things that slow down ideas to action.