4 Things You Need to Know About ALL Ideas
February 22, 2010
Please Note: This is a guest post by Christopher Kabamba, of consciouSynthesis.
Every now and then, I come across the word “hype†as I try to read my way to a better life for myself and the people around me. It is a word which, in the realm of personal growth and development, is usually used to refer to ideas that promise a runway in your backyard and a mansion in the middle of the sea.
The promise is not always material possessions; at times there is no specific promise at all. You know what I am talking about… the carefully choreographed words that seem intended just to make you feel good, while you wallow in your problems; all the big words from past sages, which at face value seem to promise more that they can deliver.
I have come close to using that label before, and chances are that I will use it again.
Not too long ago, I wrote a post entitled “Why the Science of Success Theory is Flawedâ€, and while I didn’t use the word “hype†in that post, you would not be far from the truth if while reading that article you got the idea that I was in some way trying to label most Science of Success theories as “hypeâ€.
In this article, I want to remind you of four things about ALL ideas.
1. In their Raw State ALL Ideas are “Hype”
Hype is not an objective label on an idea. It is almost always subjective. People don’t just apply this word to carefully crafted “goody goody†ideas. You will ALWAYS find at least one person who labels “hype†even what seems “practical†and “original†(if there are such ideas).
It is for the simple reason that all ideas (even the good ones) are potential hype in their “raw†unused state. The more accurate way to put it would be to say that ideas are just ideas until practiced to see their fruit. Even then, you may never really know.
2. Not Every Idea Labeled “Hype†is, in fact, Hype
This is obvious.
The stack truth about life is that we have personal preferences with respect to ideas we want to espouse. This usually blinds us, causes indifference, and makes us shut out other ideas which may well be valuable and sometimes better than what we currently know!
Everyone is at risk of indifference towards ideas which don’t initially “click†with them. That’s OK; this is what makes us individuals. But it helps to know that sometimes it’s about personal preferences and experiences, not necessarily the value of the ideas themselves.
3. Not Every “Hype Idea†must be Hype to YOU
This is VERY important; it all comes down to YOU. What does it mean to YOU? The ideas you espouse, what do they really mean to you? What place do they occupy in your day to day life… when the lights are off, and the music has stopped playing… and the page view count is not moving any further up. 
This is the challenge for any person who shares ideas with others. This is the starting place for every writer, every blogger. The same is true for every reader.
4. The Value of Ideas is in their USE
The value of ideas — hype or not — is in their USE.
Ideas YOU are not using remain as ideas… and for YOU qualify to be labeled as “hypeâ€!
If you lived even a little bit of the so called “regurgitated†ideas that you know, your life would probably be very different from what it is. At every point in your life, you can lead a much better life with what you already KNOW and HAVE.
When it comes to ideas, let these words ring in your mind, words I heard Anthony Robbins speak when he shared the story of how he changed his life:
“You don’t need many ideas to change your life; you don’t need complicated ideas to change your life; all you need is AN IDEA you are willing to TAKE IN and USE.â€
Some of these ideas are things some people may call “hype†or “regurgitated materialâ€; care less about the label an idea has. As someone recently pointed out to me, you must concern yourself with the results of the ideas, not the semantics.
In short, it doesn’t have to be hype or practical, regurgitated or original. IT JUST HAS TO WORK FOR YOU!
What do you think?
What are your thoughts on all these new (and not so new) ideas that get tossed around in countless ways to help you sort out your life? Does it matter if they are gospel, or useless hype, if they produce results?
Thanks!
Related posts:
- The Other Side of Connectivity
- The ONLY Way to Achieve Success
- Faith, Patience, and Your Moment in the Sun
- The Sixth Step to Finding Fulfillment: Be Honest
- Jackie and Heidi: A Tale of Unlikely Companions
Posted in Life, helping others
content rss
Mainly I understood that we must balance and check the reality of our excitement. Is this for real or just a simple idea that is far from realization at all.
Sell Property Fast´s last blog ..Benefits of Using SellPropertyFastPro
Hey, Christopher!
Thanks for sharing your guest post with us and bringing up this issue of new and useful ideas vs. “hype” and regurgitated concepts. It is something I have wondered about lately, as I skip from blog to blog and often read essentially the same thing, phrased a thousand different ways.
It seems like we are all throwing around the same ideas (which, incidentally, are the same ideas that have been written about for ages) and no one is really saying anything new. But the question is, does it matter? Maybe it isn’t about generating new ideas, but just putting them out there in new ways so that some of them will be helpful to someone. Or, in our case, so we can learn something that is helpful to us.
Anyway, it’s an intriguing concept, and I appreciate you bringing it up.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to Guest-post for Q4B. I extend my thanks to the wonderful community you have here. Through it, in a short time, I have learnt very profound things about life… because HERE YOU FIND REAL HUMAN BEINGS with real passion for life; real challenges AND REAL VICTORIES
In so far as “sorting out our lives” is concerned, much of the ideas you will see are things that have been spoken of from the beginning of time. In that respect there are really no “new†ideas AND THAT IS OK because in truth, all the ideas we need to change our lives are ALREADY HERE. We know most of the things we need to do (at least intellectually). Our seeking for more is okay because many times the different stories that surround these same ideas help us make profound distinctions about life.
The biggest problem comes in when we begin heralding our way as THE way; in as much as it is okay to hold an opinion about what works and what does not work, we should be open to the possibility that there are certain ideas we have dismissed THAT WORK FOR OTHERS. We should therefore encourage people to follow their way, if it works for them and not vehemently dismiss everything as “hype†become with many ideas around, that is not always the case. Becoz we are wired differently, we will respond differently to different ideas about transforming our lives.
Christopher Kabamba´s last blog ..A Guide to my idea of Conscious Parenting
The issue of relative truth is another great one that you’ve raised here. My truth (and interests, needs, values, etc) is not the same as yours. My ways are not your ways, but both are equally valid.
So when someone is claiming from the rooftops that they have found THE way, even if it isn’t MY way, I don’t have to tear them down for believing what they do. This all comes back to the issue of mutual respect and freedom of choice.
Yes, Insecurity with “our way” has much to do with the tendency to bring down other peoples ideas. Like i said, it is OK to hold an opinion but not to the extent of throwing away the virtues of mutual respect… always thinking that if we are right then they MUST be wrong.
The biggest source of insecurity is the association we have with “our” ideas. We equate ourselves to the ideas we espouse (ME=MY IDEAS) and therefore we defend them to the hilt because in defending “our” ideas, we think we are defending ourSELVES.
But in truth, we are really not our ideas. 7 years ago, i would not view something the way i view them now. Through subjective experience, i have changed certain world views. The fact that i can change certain beliefs AND STILL REMAIN means that the ideas i espouse at any given moment are really not me.
Ideas come, ideas go; WE REMAIN BECAUSE We are the real deal
Christopher Kabamba´s last blog ..A Guide to my idea of Conscious Parenting
I think the hype is potent when expressing ideas as if they are THE way or money is needed to get the WHOLE truth. Lisis may be right that there are no new ideas, and Christopher is right to say what is important is what resonates to the beholder (beauty in the eye–nothing new). I am amazed that there has been so much war in the name of religion when they all are so similar, they all aspire to explain the unknowable (that is actually already KNOWN to each of us–whether we know it or not) and provide comfort.
Each idea is as unique as the individual thinking it. The truth lies in our stories, the way each of us goes about living, exploring, loving. The newness is found constantly in the way we listen to our neighbors, friends and lovers, pay attention on the web, or take time for ourselves. It’s all about sharing and finding connection, never ultimately helpful if one pretends to maker a “Higher” claim than another.
Hey!
I love that
“The truth lies in our stories”
I was just saying that the stories that surround ideas are more important than the verbatim of the ideas. The value of ideas is in THE STORIES THAT SURROUND THEM.
Not everyone will dance to the same tune BUT THE IMPORTANT THING IS THAT EVERYONE WILL DANCE TO some TUNE.Dancing in this case may mean being happy and finding meaning in life even in things that other people despise.
As an observer, value what the tune does to people, even when YOU don’t like the tune itself
Thanks for your thoughts.
Christopher Kabamba´s last blog ..A Guide to my idea of Conscious Parenting
“The value of ideas is in their use.”
This is so very true. A good idea, by itself, is nothing but hype. The universal muse is a prolific entity; every day millions of new ideas are brought into existence around the world. As Steve Pavlina once said, Ideas alone are worthless. The only way to add worth to an idea is to use it and act upon it.
Once you have an idea, you have to act upon it and take practical steps to change it from being just “hype” to being something real, useful, practical, and “worthy.”
Jay Schryer´s last blog ..Daydream Believer
Hey, Jay!
Thanks for your thoughts. You have put across clearly what i was laboring to express. I love that Steve Pavlina quote you have shared.
The thing to note also is that an idea doesn’t have to be complicated; It doesn’t even have to be “new”; It just has to be an idea you are willing to FOLLOW THROUGH on.
As i said, if you and i can look to ideas we already know and things we already have, our lives can be much better than what they are.
Thanks for your CLEAR thoughts on the issue.
Christopher Kabamba´s last blog ..A Guide to my idea of Conscious Parenting
Hi Christopher!
When I saw you were guest posting today, I was excited. I’ve really enjoyed seeing you around the blogosphere and your interactions in the comments.
I think that, as long as the “hype” is being truly considered as opposed to blindly followed, people should take and incorporate what works for them.
Sometimes I read repetitive things across the internet, but every now and then, something really “hits” me and reminds me to do x, y, or z or to change my thoughts about something. So in that respect, I suppose if it is hype or the source of who is saying it has no impact. If it works, it works.
I feel the key in all this is to implement, act, and bring things to life. Like you said in Number 4: The value of ideas is in their USE.
Great, Christopher! I agree!
Thanks for being here with us today, and thank you to Lisis for hosting you!
~xo
Lori´s last blog ..Front Porch: Life Through Mia’s Eyes
Hi Lori!
Thanks for your comment and for your kind words
I agree with you. I think that congruency with your idea of things is the key; it should come first. The label that that particular idea has is not even in second position.
For sure, the value of ideas is in their use. Unused potential doesn’t benefit anyone.
And as you have rightly said, we don’t have to follow blindly just because “they” say it works. It may work for “them” but that does not mean it will work for us or we will be congruent with it.
Thanks once again for adding your voice to this post. And many thanks to Lisis for the opportunity given to me.
Christopher Kabamba´s last blog ..A Guide to my idea of Conscious Parenting
Hi, Christopher. Thanks for guest-posting for us here at Q4B! It’s interesting to consider that the value of ideas only manifests once we do something with them, about them, or as a result of them. Ideas into action. I love it.
It’s interesting, because productivity blogs and other solution-oriented blogs are quite popular… and yet, how many of the ideas discussed there do you suppose are actually put into practice? And what if they were? How much more productive would the readership be? I wonder why it is that there’s often such a great barrier — whether mental or physical — between reading something and agreeing with it, and putting it into practice. (Are we all inherently lazy on some level?)
Maybe Nike’s got it right (Just Do It!).
So now I’m curious! I’d love to hear more in the comments about what ideas you (everyone reading this!) have read about recently and put into practice, and whether they did in fact “work” for you (or whether they were “hype” that you didn’t find useful). If we discuss our personal experiences putting ideas into practice, it will illustrate this concept beautifully. Thanks!
Alison | Quest for Balance´s last blog ..4 Things You Need to Know About ALL Ideas
Hey,Alison!
Thanks once again for the opportunity you guys have given me to Guest-post for Q4B. You have a warmly community and it reflects in the conversations that go on here.
I am glad to have found this community and become a part of it because in a short time, i have learnt many things that are helping me become better at being human.
An interesting issue you have brought out, Alison. My take is that we will obviously have more ideas coming our way; more ideas than we need. It is ok because in the multitude of those ideas we may find things that really impact our lives.
So, let the ideas come… BUT there should also be a corresponding “follow through” on ideas we resonate with and ones we know are going to leave us better than we were before. Otherwise, there is a danger that we will become familiar with these ideas so much that they stop moving us to action.
Eventually it’s about Doing. KNOWING IS DOING.
As for an idea that i have recently been trying to put in practice… it’s a bit philosophical. It is the idea of ALLOWING MYSELF TO EXPERIENCE EVENTS AND BE CHANGED BY THEM. It is about non-resistance to life experiences and it is something that is working well for me. It is not always easy, but it is worth it. I am following through.
Christopher Kabamba´s last blog ..A Guide to my idea of Conscious Parenting
This is great, Christopher. It’s exactly what I was getting at — mentioning specific “ideas” people have put into practice — and the results — helps to illustrate your point. In fact, this very idea is something I’d like to try. So now, I will take it from thought into action, and see how it goes!
I’ve had a lot of change in my life recently, and to be honest, I’ve been resisting it. But I think if I yield a little more, and see where the change takes me… see how it shapes me… “go with the flow”, in other words… I may find myself feeling a little less stressed and a whole lot more relaxed. Thanks for sharing this idea!
Alison | Quest for Balance´s last blog ..4 Things You Need to Know About ALL Ideas
Thanks for this post Christopher. It maybe be true that all hype is just ideas that are created again. I think, like what Tony Robbins said, we don’t need to complicate our lives with the “next biggest thing”. We just need to take an idea, try it out, and see if it works for us. If the idea works, keep it. If it doesn’t work, then change the idea to something else. Overall, just keep things simple!
Hulbert´s last blog ..My Brother Got Pulled Over by the Police – Part I Interview
Hulbert,
It doesn’t get any simpler than that, does it?
Thanks for that simplicity of thought.
The tasking part when it comes to changing your life is FOLLOWING THROUGH ON AN IDEA especially after the initial “hype” surrounding the idea takes leave
It is important to note that this happens to virtually all ideas…. not just the “hyped” ones.
Christopher Kabamba´s last blog ..A Guide to my idea of Conscious Parenting
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by Daily_Choices: 4 Things You Need to Know About ALL Ideas | Quest for Balance http://bit.ly/anVUlJ...
Christopher,
Very interesting post. I would think that it doesn’t matter how you “label” the ideas. Some ideas will click in your system and you will be able to apply them in your own life. This is what matters. Nothing else.
Now, let’s go to the point. If you analyze your post carefully you could summarize it in one sentence: “The value of one idea equals its application” This idea is very old… We could find some quotes from Aristotle about this subject…
However, I would not describe your post as “regurgitated”…
I would prefer to make an analogy with the way the teacher explained to his followers what he was doing: He said “I am only selling water from the river”
He was meaning that the Truth is not new and it is available for everybody if they see attentively around.
Sometimes we don’t see the water directly and we will take it from the teacher. If we drink it and make the ideas action, then real change will come to our lives. Otherwise, we are just wasting our time.
All the best,
Boris
Boris´s last blog ..About Tiger’s apology
Hey, Boris!
That’s a great comment (as usual). One of the things that struck me about it is that it has finally helped me understand why some (many) people turn to a priest, minister, or other intermediary to understand God… Life, The Universe, and Everything.
It’s all the same stuff that is available to everyone. You can go directly to it (through personal experience) or you can get at it in measured doses (via a teacher or master)… whichever comes naturally, or is easier to process, I suppose.
What works for me (turning within, plunging directly into the river) may not work for others.
Thanks!!
Lisis,
I thought Boris’s comment had sunk deep in me the first time i read it. I was wrong… i think it is still sinking. A beautiful analogy he has made. I also like your take on it. All this is making sense now.
I guess that is the reason why it is not a bad idea to CONTINUE listening to the stories that surround all these ‘old’ ideas. The stories bring fresh perspective; they bring clarity…and many times, that is all we need.
Christopher Kabamba´s last blog ..A Guide to my idea of Conscious Parenting
Boris has a wonderful way of bringing a fresh angle to almost any conversation. No matter where I think it’s headed, he’ll find a useful and engaging aspect that I’ve overlooked. I love that about comments.
Boris,
Your thought is wonder-full
And what you have put across as the summary of this post, is for sure the lesson to be gotten from this post.
Is it a new idea? Certainly not. I usually like to say that no new truth is being manufactured. All truth already ALREADY IS … AND WE KNOW MOST OF IT.
What we now need is to begin FOLLOWING THROUGH.
Thanks for your great analogy and your perspective.
Christopher Kabamba´s last blog ..A Guide to my idea of Conscious Parenting
Hi Christopher!
Great post as always. I won’t repeat what’s already been said here. I just wanted to mention something that has been said, but not emphasized.
There are tons of great ideas. And it seems that “hype” is just a word used to describe efforts to get us excited about the potential of those ideas. And many of these ideas really do have potential.
The problem that I have struggled with and that seems common, is that we can’t stick to one plan and follow it through.
The next thing comes down the pike, and suddenly the plan that we’ve been following is passe. We get caught up in the excitement and newness of the next great idea, and the shininess of the “old” one now looks dull by comparison.
I like to say that the key to success is to stubbornly stick to an approach that you find comfortable. Hype is helpful if it gets you started, but it becomes destructive when it distracts you from your focus and pulls you off on another path.
You end up with a million starts but no follow through.
But I don’t blame the hype for that. People just need to know that the plan is not nearly as important as your determination to stick to it to reach your goals.
And, speaking from experience, this is easier said than done.
Anyway, thanks again!
Hugh
Wow! This is another great Lisis! Keep it up!
This is so true. It doesn’t matter what others think of the idea as long as it works for you. And that in life you just need an idea that you are willing to use to change your life for the better…
Travel Purses´s last blog ..Travel Purses: 6 Great Styles
Hugh,
Your comment is a post on its own
A few highlights for me
1)”success is to stubbornly stick to an approach that you find comfortable”
2) “Hype is helpful if it gets you started, but it becomes destructive when it distracts you from your focus and pulls you off on another path.”
3) “But I don’t blame the hype for that. People just need to know that the plan is not nearly as important as your determination to stick to it to reach your goals.”
Need i add anything? No,i need to absorb these issues you have raised. Thanks very much for your insight. I think i am learning something here.
Thanks once again
Christopher Kabamba´s last blog ..Stereotyping Personal Growth = Playing Religion
[...] since I did my guest post (4 things you need to know about all ideas) at QuestForBalance, I have been thinking of the simple ideas from years past; ideas that, though [...]
I believe that even a stupid idea has it’s own use. It’s proven that there are some entrepreneurs started their success because of their ideas which came nowhere.