One Radical Idea that May Change Your World
In the 1830’s, a rather ingenious and arguably mad idea was proposed. Some 14 years later a long journey went from concept to reality as a tunnel began to weave its way under the streets and buildings of mid-19th century London.
Nine years later, the first segment of what would become London’s Underground opened for business. Although the system’s original visionary, Charles Pearson was no longer alive to make the journey, some 30,000 Londoners climbed aboard the Metropolitan Line during its first day of operation. Since its opening day on January 10, 1863, the underground has grown to 11 lines, 249 miles of track, and some 270 stations.
Transportation for London (TfL) operates the ‘Tube’ as it has come to be called and in the calendar year ending 2017 carried a record 1.37 billion travelers marking an increase of over 35% in the last decade alone for the city run carrier.
Let’s face it, Pearson’s idea was radical.
What About You?
Many of us have mad, crazy, even radical ideas. And by many of us, I mean you.
Over time, you learn to push these ideas to the side saying that they are unrealistic or undoable. Your pragmatic self wins the day and the idea is put to bed. Yes, it might pop-up in your mind occasionally, but you tamp it down – or worse yet you surround yourself with people who will tamp it down for you.
If you travel down this path long enough, you might stop generating such ideas. You simply won’t allow your mind to go there.
Consider This…
The very ability to be creative is what makes human beings so amazing. We can think of new things, dream up new possibilities, and accomplish new and ever expanding outcomes.
Here are a few questions to consider:
- What idea have you been thinking about for years that has yet to see the light of day?
- How might you bring that idea to the world? Who can help you?
- When was the last time you spoke of this idea to someone? What was her/his reaction?
Maybe it’s time to speak your idea to the world, to begin to make it happen, and to make a big (arguably radical difference).
Now, go get ’em – Patrick
Photo by Charles Deluvio 🇵🇭🇨🇦 on Unsplash
Patrick Leddin, PhD is a speaker, global leadership consultant, and The Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Five-Week Leadership Challenge. Patrick is an Associate Professor at Vanderbilt University with a thriving leadership blog and podcast, and 25-years of leadership experience. He offers an unparalleled mix of academic rigor and real-world experience.