Your Ideas Matter

Every time you share your ideas you bring value to others. Ideas come in many forms. They can be as simple as a suggestion, create clarity out of confusion, or give insight that is transformational. Your ideas are a reflection of who you are, how you think, what you feel, and what you’ve learned from your own experiences.

Willingness to share ideas is powerful.  There is no way of assessing the impact we have on someone else by offering them our point of view.  Each of us is unique. Our experiences are unique. Our perspectives are unique. No one has traveled your road, been faced with your specific challenges, or possesses your knowl­edge. You are uniquely qualified to be you.  Your ideas matter.

There are times, however, that one could doubt oneself.  You make a suggestion that someone else discounts. You share an idea you want to implement and the response is negative.  Suddenly, you feel self-conscious and unsure. It’s unrealistic to think that every time we have something to say our contribution will meet with unquestioned approval. Because we each differ, it’s predictable  that our points of view will also differ.  The key is to recognize you don’t have to have others’ agreement for your ideas to matter.  They’re important if for no other reason than helping someone define what works for them.

Just as it’s normal to be sensitive to another’s negative response to our ideas,  it’s also important to honor differing points of view.  All of our ideas matter. Whether we agree or not is irrelevant. We can’t possi­bly know the thinking behind every idea. No one can know the same for us. All we can do in a sharing arena is listen, participate, evaluate, and allow the exchange from one to another to produce some action. Never let your reaction to other’s ideas or their reaction to yours diminish what you have to offer.  Some ideas will fly and others will lay dormant. Some will appear well received and others will end up being dismissed. Your ideas have value not only because they reflect who you are, but because they represent the gift you bring to others. Choose your words with care. Share from an open heart. Be eager to listen and learn. Welcome feedback. Remember, your ideas matter.  They make a difference.  You have no way of knowing when or where. Just know.