Here is a quote – Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life – think of it, dream of it, and live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.
—Swami Vivekananda
In 1488, Leonardo da Vinci drew a helicopter in a drawing he named Ornithopter Flying Machine. In 1909, Igor Sikorsky gave form to the Renaissance artist’s design. Multiple factors turned into obstacles for Sikorsky – money and experience were just a couple of them. But Sikorsky didn’t give up. His next aero design – a four-engine bomber, one of its kind – was used in World War I by Russia. In 1939, Sikorsky designed the first prototype of a helicopter. After eight long months of hard work, Sikorsky’s helicopter took flight. However, it wasn’t a stable one. Even at this point, Sikorsky didn’t give up. He continued to work on his design for a few more years. Finally, in 1942, the helicopter he designed entered mass production. Sikorsky’s helicopter design is used in aviation till date. The world would have been deprived of an excellent innovation if Sikorsky had given up on the only idea that fuelled his passion for years.
The reason we cannot find our focus directly relates to our unwillingness to explore our potential. The potential that could allow us to capitalize on our capabilities and our zeal to explore remains in a state of inactivity till we find the passion to pursue a bigger goal – an idea that connects to our true self. Those who belong to the clan of achievers live the idea that inspires them to dedicate their existence, efforts, and soul to its execution.
Swami Vivekananda, the great Hindu monk, rose to a position of eminence because his heart, mind, and actions were aligned perfectly. One idea that he propagated was to bring about a change in the world. He became the change himself in taking his wisdom (derived from rich Indian philosophy and ideologies) to a higher level. Swami Vivekananda succeeded since he never allowed other ideas to shake his belief in the power of one idea, which was to make the world a better place for everyone.
We, on the other hand, have the tendency to mistake various ideas that cross our minds with opportunities to realize our ambition. Among so many ideas, we fail to spot one that could actually cater to our dream of fulfillment in the material, intellectual and creative senses. The best way to remove such chaos and indecision is to train our mental faculties to focus on one idea at a time.
The idea has to have both clarity and purpose
A venture, business or product becomes successful when the team toiling to make it a reality has clarity on the idea. Amazing things happen when the team or the individual commits to stretching their limits, rather than questioning the dependability and workability of that idea.
After all, a certain amount of craziness and vigor is required to make things happen. If the idea doesn’t drive us crazy and make us restless, it basically belongs to that cluster of ideas that keeps hovering in our mind sans any purpose.
Novel ideas make life amazing
When we find ourselves torn between what we think are too many workable but average ideas, we don’t take the pains to locate the one that is the best of them. A whole host of ideas may baffle us to the point that we stop entertaining them anymore. In such a scenario, we should work diligently to do away with the bad ones. The one that appeals to our senses is right there among them. What we need to do to discover it is to listen carefully to our intellect and thinking self.
Take your time and choose the one that you believe could bring about a meaningful change in your life and the lives of millions of others who could benefit from its realization.
Put your idea into action
Devote yourself to one idea instead of running in all directions and reaching nowhere. Yes, you need to struggle to explore its feasibility; however, once you are sure about moving forth, stay immune to negative or unconstructive thoughts and just make it happen. It’s natural for you to have some fears, but you need to overcome them at any cost. Here, your determination to realize your dream is sure to provide you a much-needed impetus.
The concept of ‘one idea’ brings singularity of purpose
Singularity of purpose does the trick; you will find many examples justifying the same. Facebook, Amazon, Google, and even several start-ups were based on the conception, creation and execution of just one idea, not multiple ones. When you add the likes of Apple, Dell, Starbucks, and eBay, the list becomes a special one.
Before suggesting how other people should lead their lives, develop a clear idea about making your life exemplary and inspiring enough for others to emulate.
The absurdity of the idea means hope
One needs to believe that one’s idea is unthinkable for others, and that’s why others are calling it absurd. When you are ready to put your life and soul into it, you’ll feel that that idea is for you only. Let others think the way they want to; you just stick to your idea and do your best to realize it.
No one will remember how long you lived or by what you lived. Instead, they will remember how the realization of your idea contributed to humanity and made a difference to the lives of others. So only the idea is here to stay forever!
