What to Ask Yourself When You Encounter A New Idea

I might as well have the word YES tattooed on my arm. I love saying yes. I love new ideas and invitations to new adventures…but I’ve learned the hard way (repeatedly) that I can’t say yes to everything that comes my way.

This is where discernment comes in.  Not every idea is “from the Lord.”  Think of the new idea that came to Eve from Satan!

So, I needed to create a system to help me determine when a new idea is worth investing my time and resources. From that came these five questions I ask myself almost every day.

What questions to ask yourself when you encounter a new idea:

1. Is this new idea consistent with my life mission?
   The older I get, the clearer my purpose becomes. I want to partner with others to tell others and lead initiatives that spark hope and action in the world. It is called communicating the gospel accurately, clearly, and passionately. Some new ideas sound fun or profitable but don’t help me accomplish my life mission. I may still indulge in a new idea that is “off mission,” but with the realization that it probably won’t last when more integrated ideas come around. Off-mission ideas may feel good today, but…tomorrow is coming.
   
   
2. Can this new idea be assimilated into a current initiative?
   Some new ideas fit perfectly into something I am already praying, doing, or dreaming about. If a new idea fits into a current, already-determined, worthwhile project, it jumps higher on my list of possibilities. At that point, it is less of a new idea and more of an answer to a question I sometimes didn’t even know to be asking.
   
   
3. Is this something I CURRENTLY want?
   I have learned to say no to new opportunities that I would have once loved to have. For instance, I turn down some unusual speaking opportunities about once per year. (I’m a recovering “yes” man.) Twenty years ago, these opportunities would have been portals to my dream job, but now, landing an opportunity away from the mission God has called me to do would be a massive distraction…even if it still sounds fun and exciting. I must remind myself that it’s not the main thing I want to do anymore. Sometimes, landing that opportunity we used to enjoy is the last thing we need to get where we now want to go.
   
   
4. Who do I know who could better serve this idea than me?
   I used to think, “Who do I know who can help me do this idea?” Now, I think more about gifting the idea to someone who can bring it to life with or without my help. Usually, both of us end up a lot happier and fulfilled this way.
   
   
5. Will I regret NOT saying yes to this idea?
   The projection of a future state of regret is often a defining factor in how I make decisions. If I look into my future, it is a problem, and I know I will constantly ask, “Why didn’t I pursue that idea?” Regarding my creative and professional life, I will pick regretting doing something over regretting doing nothing every single time. So, if I know that, I know I’ll regret it…I will probably give a resounding YES to a new opportunity, too.
   
   
6. Have I prayed sufficiently, thought deeply, and sincerely sought the wisdom of others about this idea?
   This idea of “future regret” versus present opportunity can quickly be figured out by simply spending sufficient time in prayer, thinking deeply about all the aspects of this new idea or opportunity (and including time in knowing it will not violate God’s word), and sincerely seeking the wisdom of those who know me (my gifts, passions, abilities, personality style, and life experiences) and what my mission in life is.

Asking and answering these questions have given me more success at saying YES or NO and living a life of no regrets!