People who are great at brainstorming but struggle with execution often have these 10 traits

Ever know someone who’s amazing at coming up with ideas but struggles with making them happen?
You might be thinking of a friend, a family member, or even yourself. This is pretty common, so don’t worry.
There are certain things that people who are good at brainstorming but find it hard to put these ideas into action often have in common.
Knowing what these things are can help us understand why this happens and how we can get better at it. So, let’s get comfortable and explore these ten common traits.
Are you ready? Let’s jump right in!
1) Fear of failure
The first trait common among great brainstormers who struggle with execution is the fear of failure.
This fear can be paralyzing, preventing people from taking action on their ideas because they’re scared it won’t work out. They worry about the potential losses or embarrassment if things go south.
It’s like being stuck in a ‘what if’ loop, where the fear of negative outcomes outweighs the excitement of potential success. Remember, every successful person has experienced failure.
It’s part of the journey. So, don’t let fear stop you from turning your brilliant ideas into reality.
2) Procrastination
Ever heard of the phrase, “I’ll do it tomorrow”? Well, that’s our second trait.
Procrastination is a notorious villain in the story of idea execution. People often push off starting their projects because they feel overwhelmed by the size of the task or simply prefer doing something more enjoyable.
This delay can lead to ideas gathering dust and never seeing the light of day.
The key to conquering procrastination? Break your task into smaller, manageable parts and start right away.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
3) Perfectionism
Now, this is a tricky one. Striving for perfection can sometimes be a good thing, pushing us to do our best.
But other times, it can be a real roadblock.
I remember when I wanted to start my blog. I had tons of ideas and even drafted a few posts. But I never published them because they didn’t feel ‘perfect’ enough.
I was so caught up in getting every little detail right that I ended up not sharing my work at all.
Perfectionism, in my experience, can hinder execution since you’re always waiting for that ‘perfect’ moment or ‘perfect’ result which seldom comes.
Sometimes, good enough is just that – good enough. So, don’t let your pursuit of perfection stop you from executing your ideas.
4) Difficulty prioritizing
This is when you have so many ideas, but you struggle to decide which one to act on first.
Fun fact: Did you know that the human brain generates up to 70,000 thoughts per day?
With so many thoughts buzzing around, it’s no wonder that picking one and sticking to it can feel like trying to catch a fish with your bare hands.
Learning to prioritize your ideas based on factors such as feasibility, impact, and your personal passion can be a game-changer in turning those ideas into reality.
5) Lack of self-belief
Halfway through our list, we arrive at a trait that tugs at the heartstrings – lack of self-belief. This is when you doubt your abilities to execute your ideas successfully.
You might have the most brilliant idea, but if you don’t believe in yourself, it’s like having a car with no fuel.
It’s heartbreaking to see so many wonderful ideas go to waste because the person behind them doesn’t believe they’re capable enough to bring them to life.
Believing in yourself is the first step towards success. So, trust yourself and your abilities. You’re stronger and more capable than you think.
6) Distraction-prone
Next up, we have being easily distracted.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit, I’m a bit of a magpie when it comes to shiny new ideas. I could be knee-deep in working on a project, and then a new, exciting idea pops up and whoosh!
There goes my attention. It’s like trying to read a book in a room full of chattering people.
This trait can make it difficult to stay focused on one idea long enough to see it through to completion. The trick I’ve found helpful is to keep a dedicated “idea notebook“.
Whenever a new idea strikes, I jot it down and return to it once I’ve completed my current task. This way, I don’t lose the new idea but also don’t get sidetracked from my ongoing project.
7) Impatience
So, let’s be real here. Our seventh trait is impatience. Yep, we live in a world that loves instant gratification.
We want results, and we want them now. But here’s the bitter truth: success doesn’t come overnight. It’s a slow process, and it requires persistence and patience.
When you’re trying to execute an idea, there are going to be setbacks, obstacles, and slow days. If you get impatient and give up too soon, your brilliant idea may never reach fruition.
So yeah, patience isn’t just a virtue, it’s a necessity when it comes to executing ideas. Hang in there!
8) Lack of planning
Trait number eight is the lack of planning.
Now, here’s a fun fact for you: Did you know that according to a study from the Project Management Institute, organizations that undervalue project planning are 67% more likely to fail?
That’s right.
Having an idea is one thing, but without a solid plan to execute it, it’s like sailing without a compass. You’ll likely end up lost at sea.
Planning helps you chart your course and anticipate potential issues, making it easier to navigate your way to success.
So, don’t underestimate the power of a good plan!
9) Getting overwhelmed easily
This one hits close to home for me.
I’ve had times when I’ve had a great idea, started working on it, but then got overwhelmed by the scope and magnitude of the task at hand.
It’s like standing at the foot of a mountain, looking up at the peak, and feeling a sense of dread about the climb ahead.
When you’re overwhelmed, even the smallest tasks can feel insurmountable and you can end up abandoning your idea.
What I’ve learned is to take one step at a time, celebrate small victories and remind myself that it’s okay to ask for help when needed.
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
10) Resistant to feedback
Now let’s get real, no one enjoys criticism. It stings.
But here’s the harsh truth: feedback, even when it’s tough to swallow, is crucial for growth and improvement.
If you’re resistant to feedback, you might miss out on valuable insights that could help you refine your idea and make it even better. So, as much as it might hurt, open yourself up to feedback.
Listen, learn, and use it as a stepping stone on your path to success.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it – the ten traits that often hold back great brainstormers from becoming great executors.
If you’ve recognized some of these traits in yourself, don’t beat yourself up.
Awareness is the first step towards improvement. And remember – you’ve got this!