What Do You Do With an Idea?

Although this is a children’s book, I firmly believe every adult should own it.  It serves as a guide for transforming ideas into actions. My oldest son called this book, “Inspiring!” 

I had my eye on this book for quite some time, especially since my oldest consistently comes up with ideas to build and create things. I am the type of person that draws from inspirational stories, quotes and books. I felt particularly drawn to it. After reading endless positive reviews, I purchased it for our home library. This is now in my top 5 for best children’s books. Yes, it’s that amazing!

*It is a recipient of the Gold Independent Publisher Book award (IPPY). 

One day, my oldest looked at the jar of change on our kitchen counter and announced, “Mom, I think I should design a coin dispenser machine made out of legos for all the loose change. What do you think?” I replied, “That sounds like a great idea!”

The first day, he made two different models that dispensed but not consistently. Throughout the days that followed, he came up with the idea of combining the basic concepts of both models, but perfecting the dispensing mechanism. He would share his daily progress with me, until one day he was left with three models and disappointment.

Some time passed, and as I was dusting his room one morning, the three lego dispensers caught my eye. Something tugged at my heart, and I glanced over at the book.

That evening I told him that there was a book I wanted him to read. I placed it on his bed and waited for him.

His eyes gleamed with this light, that I have been yearning to see. My oldest is not a lover of books. According to him, he is a lover of numbers. He is intoxicated with math. When he came and proclaimed that the book was “inspiring”, my mommy heart rejoiced.

He began to talk about his coin lego dispenser and the frustration he felt of not finding a way to perfect his idea.

He worked on it for over a week, but at the end ACCOMPLISHED HIS IDEA! I was overjoyed and immensely proud of his perseverance. I reminded him that just like in the book, there are times our ideas need a little time to grow.

Here is a quick review of the book!

“What Do You Do With an Idea? is the story of one brilliant idea and the child who helps to bring it into the the world. As the child’s confidence grows, so does the idea itself. And then, one day, something amazing happens. This is a story for anyone, at any age, who’s ever had an idea that seemed a little too big, too odd, too difficult. It’s a story to inspire you to welcome that idea, to give it some space to grow, and to see what happens next. Because your idea isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s just getting started.”

Then, one day, something amazing happened. My idea changed right before my very eyes. It spread its wings, took flight, and I burst into the sky. And then, I realized what you do with an idea… You change the world.