Almost daily I feel a spark of inspiration – a brilliant idea, a sudden connection, an unexpected urge to do something. And more often than I’d like to admit…I hesitate for a moment and it slips away.
I’ve been there far too many times.
So the other week, I picked up Elizabeth Gilbert's book, Big Magic at my partner's suggestion. Though I'd read it years ago, revisiting it felt like reconnecting with an old friend who still had wisdom to share.
One story sticks with me: Gilbert describes ideas as mystical entities floating through the universe, seeking a home. Miss your chance to catch one, and it drifts away to find someone more receptive.
She tells of beginning a novel set in the Amazon jungle, abandoning it mid-draft, then years later meeting another author who was writing the exact same story - down to eerily specific plot points and character details. Gilbert's theory? The idea, tired of waiting for her to finish, had simply moved on to someone else willing to bring it to life.
The hidden side to hesitating
When I reflect on Gilbert’s story, I can’t help but think, how many brilliant opportunities have slipped through my fingers because I didn’t act on the impulse at the crucial moment?
The business concept I dismissed as ‘too ambitious’
The connection I didn't make because ‘they're probably too busy’
The creative project put on ice because ‘what if nobody likes it?’
Each time, the protective voice in my head whispered:
‘It's great... but...’
‘I could do this... but...’
‘Yes, but have you considered...’
And each time, that rational, fearful, prefrontal cortex squashed the wild, intuitive impulse before it could take flight.
Listening to urges
Recently, I tried to reconnect with Gilbert’s advice and not let the ideas slip: I followed almost every creative and connective urge.
When I felt the impulse to reach out to a former colleague whose I hadn’t spoken in a while - I sent the message immediately, before doubt could creep in. I reconnected with old friends. I followed urges to explore threads that I was pulled towards.
What happens when you follow urges
When I’m following urges, it feels like things are happening. It feels more like my authentic self speaking, not the protective and cautious big brother moderating everything that comes my way. After a week of following my urges, more opportunities came my way than I could take on. Everything started to feel a bit easier.
Imagine what it would look like if everyone acted on their urges. Yes, there might be setbacks, dead ends, or false starts – but, as Gilbert’s book alludes to, it could be transformational.
This week, I challenge you to catch one idea or urge that tries to visit you. Send that text. Apply for that position. Approach that person. Trust that initial spark before doubt can extinguish it.
It might lead somewhere, it might not. But regardless of the outcome, you will be a little more integrated with your true, fearless self.
Big Magic is the best book isn’t it! Love this for you!