It is so easy, and so tempting, when we feel that we are onto something big in our lives or our careers, to want rush out there and tell our close friends, family, the barista, the convenience store clerk, the world, about this really great thing. But how about if we don't? How about instead focusing on just doing? I'm not saying not to tell anyone, I'm instead suggesting maybe telling only one, two, or three people, max, and then letting the fruits of your labour tell everyone else. Be quiet, and be great.
When you spend more time doing instead of talking about doing, you'll be more productive. You'll focus more on the task at hand and will be less likely to get distracted or sidetracked, especially by the myriad questions and expressions of doubt that may arise when you're telling others about what you're working on. Those one, two, or three people that I mentioned a few minutes ago? The ones with whom you're going to share that thing that you're working on? Be selective about who you choose. You want to share this information with people who love you, who have your best interest at heart, and who will be honest with you, no matter what. So while you want the friend or family member who is going to encourage you and cheer for you, you also want that person to be able to give constructive criticism, and not just agree with all of your ideas just because they don't want to risk hurting your feelings. Similarly, we all can think of someone in our lives who is a pessimist (sometimes they call themselves "realists" although I am in no way implying that all realists are really pessimists) and no matter how well thought out, well-planned, 99% certain of success your plan may be, that person always has a cloud full of rain sitting ready for the parade. That is not someone you want to share your ideas/plans with. Guaranteed, you will leave that conversation feeling discouraged; and, dependent on the type of person you are, it may even cause you to give up altogether.
Your ideas are yours and no one else can execute your vision like you can. Sometimes we don't feel as confident as we think we should to follow through with our dreams, so we share our ideas with others, not only to be reassured, but sometimes also in the hopes that we will gain a partner. Unfortunately, not everyone who smiles with you is really smiling, so choose wisely who you discuss your ideas, projects and plans with. In the event that you meet a wolf in sheep's clothing and your idea is stolen, no amount of money or resources, can execute your vision in the way that you have imagined.
Keeping the proverbial lid on it while you work also helps to make the finished product seem *that* much more amazing. Just think, you hear everyone raving about this new restaurant and when you finally go, yes, it's good, but it's not great, and it's certainly not rave-worthy. Compare that feeling to when you discover a little hole-in-the-wall cafe and their steak is to die for. You think it is even more amazing than it probably actually was. Why? Because it was unexpected. A pleasant surprise. Make what you do unexpected. Dream big, create great ideas, then work on them quietly. As I have told my business partner and very dear friend on numerous occasions: share information on a need-to-know basis. You cannot function in a vacuum, none of us can, we all need input and assistance from others; but as you move and shake and put things in place, share only the information that is necessary.
Everyone knows Beyonce. Some people know Solange. For those of you who don't know, Solange is Beyonce's little sister. Solange is a singer as well, but the last time that Solange released an album was back in 2012, and that was only her third album, the first and second being released in 2003 and 2008, respectively. Why am I telling you this? Because Solange was quietly working on an album that has just been released and that album has in a short space of time made it to #1 on the Billboard 200 charts.
Be quiet and be great.