Let’s first start by defining the concept of ‘idea’. Yes, I know this is an amateur way of starting a blog post. But today I am not going to quote Wikipedia or a dictionary definition. Today, I am going to make the definition up (feel free to refute it in the comments). To me, an idea is a type of epiphany that occurs while one is struck with a problem. This epiphany presents a solution to such problem and from the beholder’s perspective, it is very clear that this is the perfect solution.

Powerful ideas have an intuitive name and can be explained to most people in 60 seconds. But contrary to popular belief, I think that a good idea will only be fully appreciated by the epiphaneer. As a matter of fact, I don’t think ideas are worth anything without people with the knowledge, the commitment, and the perseverance to make them happen—this is my assumption. From this, we can derive the following question: If ideas are worthless, then why should anybody see any value in them?

You see, an idea ‘feels’ like the perfect solution to a problem, but the truth is 180° away. An epiphany will be presented in a highly utopian manner (hence, it can be explained in 60 seconds to most people). But in order to develop an implementation, the creators will have to solve a series of complex issues. As a matter of fact, the final result will probably look’n’feel (and function) very different from the original mental blueprint.

This is not just my opinion. Think about the word idealistic. This is the term that we, as a society, use to refer to a person who has a vision of the world (generally positive) that cannot be achieved as a series of practical and realistic steps. An idealistic person will expect too many changes to happen too quickly and to have too many resources to fund this change. An idealistic person is not a doer, but more of a talker (and, of course, a thinker).

Most people who claim to want to be entrepreneurs are actually idealistic. They are always waiting “to have a great idea” before they move on to conquer the world of start-ups. They think and talk big, and they do little. Most people confuse being an entrepreneur with daydreaming. In fact, most people let ideas get in the way of them becoming successful entrepreneurs—this, again, is my assumption. But bear with me.

So if ideas aren’t worth a penny, and if ideas keep getting in the way of success; what is the whole fuzz with them?

Here is what I think: ideas are the light at the end of the tunnel. When undertaking an arduous endeavor, we need to have a clear goal. We need to make this projection and we need it to be simple, beautiful, and utopian. Otherwise, we would not be able to invest months or even years of our lives pursuing this goal. A successful startup requires precise execution, and at no point we are allowed to slow down or have doubts. This is where ideas are great. The idea-maker is committed to his idea, like a sports fan is committed to the Red Sox—commitment will encourage them to stick with a team, even after a bad season (or 70).

I suggest that when you have an epiphany, you let it grow big and beautiful. Don’t be scared of the technical or strategic challenges that this realization might present. Fly with it, share it with people, and use it to get excited enough to go ‘All In’. After this point, grab your idea (a sketch or a paragraph written on a napkin) and put it in the wall—this will be your inspiration. From then on, forget about the bells and whistles and get on to the hard work. Don’t be stubborn, let your idea morph into a complete different being. Look for advice, explore technical challenges, and find a business model. And when you are feeling the battle is being lost, look up to the wall and remember how great you felt the moment it sparked your mind.

Cheers.