I have been brainstorming ideas off and on for the passed 3 years or so, and have been very close to following through on more than one occasion. Just never quite made the leap. My problem is, I’m my own biggest critic and the master at talking myself out of the follow through. For me, brainstorming a new idea is a lot like riding a roller coaster. I’ll think of a great new tool and I’ll be damned if it isn’t the best idea ever, it will completely revolutionize the web and…aaaaaAAAAAAHHHHHHHhhhhh…you know, on second thought, it’s really not all that unique and great when you think about it, there’s already something fairly similar out there, I should probably pass on this one, but wait a second here, what if I did this, or what about this idea, now this one will definitely revolutionize the web. And up and down we go…wee.

Whenever I start getting close to the line and ready to hop over and take action, I stop myself and toss up a wall: “where do you think you’re going pal?” Suddenly new ideas start popping up and before you know it I’m back on the ride. I know the process so well that I barely trust my own brain anymore. I have to cross-examine: “excuse me brain, but are you telling me this because it’s a good idea, or because, in fact, you just want to escape the current idea and stay in brain storm mode where it’s safe? Answer the question!”. It’s not good when you can’t trust your own brain…can lead to serious migraines!

Anyways, it’s time to silence my inner critic and take action. Over a month ago, I managed to compile a top 10 list of my ideas and in the spirit of all the contest shows on TV these days, I came up with…Zack’s American Idea. Pretty clever name, no? So each week (couple times a week really) I eliminated one of my ideas and sent it home crying to it’s momma. Which, in reality, is me, so that was a bit awkward. I based my elimination decisions on factors like: quality of existing products, market size, complexity, profit potential, usefulness, my passion level, etc.

Now there is only one left. The winner! And this one really will revolutionize the web (audience laughs). What? Seriously folks, I am passionate and excited about this one and can’t wait to show it to you. I think it will prove to be a very useful tool for alot of people. If nothing else, I’ll use it.