Keep the friends who hear your weird idea and ask “okay, how would that work?” instead of laughing.

CREATIVITY

WHAT THIS MEANS

An unusual idea is mostly judged by whether it makes the speaker look foolish. A few people respond instead by engaging with the mechanics, which is a rarer and more generous reflex, and it is what lets an idea survive long enough to be improved. That difference decides what you are willing to say out loud in future.

Keep those people close and bring them the half-formed things. Be that person too, by asking a practical question before offering a verdict. You will find out quickly which of your friends makes you braver and which makes you quieter.

A QUESTION TO SIT WITH

Who takes your half-formed ideas seriously enough to ask questions?

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