Never tell anyone that you’re writing a book,...

“Never tell anyone that you’re writing a book, going on a diet, exercising, taking a course, or quitting smoking. They’ll encourage you to death.”

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Lyn Johnston

An entrepreneur friend and I were talking tonight about ideas, and how keeping them to yourself (business ideas, creative ideas, things you fear someone might steal from you and implement themselves) does you no good. Without execution, ideas have no value.

Back when I was living in the Bay Area and working in high tech, I told this same friend that my heart’s secret desire was to work in film. He never let me forget it, and though he never nagged (not at all his style), he asked what I was doing about pursuing my dream often enough to never let me forget it. With out his subtle encouragement, I’d never be where I am today. When I did finally decide to pursue a career in entertainment, he was the first person I told.

The takeaway? Always tell people about your ideas. You need their encouragement to see them through.