How many times have you heard someone say,

'I thought of that idea first...' or '...I could have made a fortune with that idea...'

When I hear people say things like this, it reminds me of a phrase I coined a while ago. 

The phrase is 'Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda but didn't'

I wonder why they did nothing about it at the time they had the idea or at the very least, why a plan was not put in place to explore the viability of the idea.

The reason why is actually quite simple.

Here are a few reasons we give ourselves not to do things:

No one starts off knowing everything. The only way to become more knowledgeable and have more answers than the person next to you is to make a start

Not having time is a valid reason. Then again, if you really wanted to develop an idea, you will find the time.

We all have a finite amount of money and developing an idea will require the need to spend some money. Fortunately, in the very early stages of developing an idea, there is hardly any money to spend as ideas and rough sketches are put on paper.

The need to spend tends to start when you want to see if the idea is viable. By which point, an option to secure funds could be from outside funding or from your savings.

Only things to say here is: So what if it fails!

At the very least you would have tried, which is more than what others have done.

We are all guilty of thinking we need to start from the beginning. Sometimes though, trying to identify where the start is can be difficult.

So, the best place to start is where you are and from there, you'll figure out pretty quickly the tasks you need to do.

Just remember, the key is to take that first step and make a start. Otherwise, someone else will.

This is so true. Think about it.

The business you currently have more than likely looks different to the one you initially started or thought of.

One reason for this has to do with gaining more knowledge as we operate our businesses and we start to tweak, refine and drop products and services in an attempt to improve what is offered.

This could also be why when you ask someone in business what they do for a living, you get a vague answer like, I work for myself or I own a business.

Rarely do they say, I am an Architect, Accountant, Store Manager.

The role of a business owner is much wider than that of a specific job title.

Having lots of ideas is wonderful. Not doing anything with them is not so great.