The challenge of ideas is often ourselves.

We think we can't. So we don't. In fact, we will it.

“I will not have ideas.”

We will it by turning to something on the Internet for the moment.

We will it by stepping away for another cup of coffee.

We will it by filling our day with meetings.

We will it by avoiding inspiration and turning down the opportunity for surprise and insight.

I sometimes wonder if we put more effort into not having ideas than into having them. And then we have the guile to be unhappy with the result.

I think we do this because ideas can be maddening in their inability to be controlled, on-demand, relevant, all-encompassing, differentiated, perfect. Who would entertain such a feckless friend?

But there are always ideas.

If you insist there will be.If you make them your habit.

If you put in the hours and days and years.

If you're willing to be frustrated.

If you're open to surprise and the unorthodox.

If you believe there will be.