The False Theory of Idea Scarcity

“The world has a limited amount of resources.”

While there are many resources that are finite, some believe there is a finite number of ideas. But, in reality, this theory of idea scarcity is a myth. When an idea creates the spark that leads to something new being created, it takes the place of something old and the creative cycle starts again with a new idea. The only way to run out of ideas is to stop creating.

Ideas are the most valuable thing in existence. Some say ideas are worth more than money, land, or even oil and coal because they can create something new from nothing! Ideas give life and meaning where there was none before the idea came along.

The creative process can be long and difficult, but it’s always rewarding. But there are roadblocks that can impede the creative cycle.

These roadblocks fall into two categories: internal and external. Internal roadblocks are self-imposed or self-inflicted because of fear and pressure while external ones come in different forms such as burnout, criticism, rejection, negativity, etc…

Let’s look at the two most common roadblocks.

Creative Pressure

I was talking to someone I’ve been mentoring the other day about how he had been struggling with his creative work. I asked him if…