5 Signs You're Not Cut Out to Be an Inventor
When you decide to make the jump and pursue your invention idea, you may be wondering if this industry is truly for you. Take my advice -- here are five signs that being an inventor is probably not for you:
1. You’re not creative
All facets of the invention process involve creativity. From the initial idea for your product to design, and from packaging to marketing, creativity is pertinent when coming up with a new innovation. If you can’t think outside the box, inventing will be very hard for you.
Everyone can be creative and have fun with it, too. Take out some colored pencils or crayons and sketch your idea in color. Use word association games to come up with a product name. Listen to classical music while writing up product specs. Creativity engages parts of your brain you don’t typically use and will aid you in the invention process.
2. You’re not hardworking
Following through with all the steps required to create a new product isn’t a short or easy task. Most inventors do have full-time commitments, whether that be working at a job, raising a family, or volunteering, but they are persistent enough to set aside time to work on their invention.
Keep in mind your ultimate goal. You started to pursue this idea to create a product and have financial success – tell yourself that you’re not going to stop. Don’t let hitting a bump in the road or getting burnt out deter you; stay persistent. You started this, and you can finish it.
3. You’re not committed
It’s easy to let projects go unfinished. We all have an old dresser in the basement that we’ve been meaning to repaint or a new recipe we’ve been meaning to try for a few weeks. An invention is something different, however. It’s an idea that you’ve had in your head for quite some time, and you have to be committed to finish it.
A popular strategy for staying committed is work on your idea for at least a few minutes every day. This could be anything from selecting materials for a prototype or brainstorming ideas for slogans. As long as you’re doing a little bit each day, you’re making forward progress.
4. You’re not personable
Although you don’t have to be a professional pitchman or everyone’s best friend to be successful, if you’re not personable and relatable, it may be hard for you to network and build connections. It’s not fun to do business with a surly, unprofessional, nervous person.
Even if you’re not a naturally extroverted person, there are ways for you to come across as amicable. Body language speaks volumes. Maintain appropriate eye contact, don’t cross your arms in front of your chest, and try not to fidget. When in doubt, flash a smile.
5. You’re not passionate about your idea
People can tell when you’re passionate about something. They can see it in your eyes. If potential investors can tell that you feel rather blasé about your idea or invention, why would they want to dedicate their time and money to you?
If you’re ever feeling apathetic about your invention, remember this: your idea is a piece of you. The stress and nervousness of inventing and pitching a new product can take away some of the excitement, so remind yourself of the epiphany moment when you realized you wanted to pursue your dream.
Taking an idea and making it into an invention isn’t easy, but it sure is rewarding. With creativity, hard work, commitment, amicability, and passion, you’ll be heading on the road towards innovation.
