Is it normal to instinctively see something could be better...?...?

...and then wake up the next day knowing hundreds of flexible ways to change it into something better?
Like the government or space tech or bridge building (etc)?
And then to be disappointed because I'm stuck not being able to do anything, feeling pretty helpless.

I mean to have an overwhelming urge to get involved sometimes, but just can't without years of work to get past all the blockades, or to actually be able to do it?

Voting Results
88% Normal
Based on 67 votes (59 yes)
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Comments ( 7 )
  • h20lover

    Make sure to keep a diary of all your ideas. I know it may not sound like much, but it is really important to be able to put these ideas into words. There are three functions this serves.
    (1) It allows you to remember them forever. After years have gone by, it would be difficult to recall every idea you ever had from the top of your head. It's best to keep a record.
    (2) It allows you to sort through the ideas. You can sort them and categorize them easily if you keep your diary on the computer. You can also prioritize which ideas are the best. You might find that some ideas are really worthy of pursuing, and that others seem less impressive to you as you revisit them over time. Make sure to highlight and revisit the ideas that you find to be the most attractive from time to time, and add to them.
    (3) It allows you to share your ideas. If it's actually a good idea, you CAN and WILL make a difference by sharing it. Just make sure you share it with the right people.

    -College professors that study in the particular field related to the idea can be useful for giving you feedback, and allowing you to evaluate how good the idea actually is,(possibly even giving you a $$ estimate) as well as giving you suggestions for improvement, and further areas for research/exploration. You can typically find college professor's e-mails online at their faculty websites. If you already went to college, then start there. If not, start at a college that you would consider going to, and be sure to tell the professor that you would like to go to their college. Just remember to be polite!

    -Business people working in the field related to the idea might be good to share with, although you should consider whether it makes sense to simply share the idea for free, or if it's worth pursuing on your own. (I'd say to pursue it on your own if it's worth more than $5,000)

    -Administrative agencies are a good place to share ideas. There are literally thousands of rulemakings going on everyday, and administrative agencies are required to take public comments in the formal process of making some rules. Also, they are required to read these comments, so if your idea is actually good enough, someone will notice. You may find that someone is already working on your project! Basically all administrative agencies have a website where you can submit comments. Look in the contacts section if you can't find the public page, and send an e-mail to the contact person at the agency directly. Often they can tell you the best place to submit your idea/comment where it will have the most impact.

    If you want to get paid for your ideas, then you should seek a lawyer (patent/copyright or negotiating an exchange of information for compensation, writing a contract, starting a business, etc...) You could attempt to negotiate yourself, but it's probably better to get someone that has had experience doing that sort of thing if there is any substantial amount of money at stake. Best of luck!

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  • diabolic_mushroom

    Perfectly normal. There's so much room for improvement in this world, that I wonder about the people that can't or don't see it!

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  • theWARwhore

    holy shit h2olover now THAT is a comment

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  • IIN to be frustrated? Yes. But to be so disengaged - I wonder...? Are there no interest groups, clubs or organizations that you can connect with at your current level of competence with whom you can share, develop & implement good ideas? Check that out.

    Also the above advice ^^^ is really excellent & detailed!

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  • Evilcor

    Oh my god that is my WHOLE LIFE!
    I remember when I was 13 (in 1993), and brought up the idea of gas-electric hybrid cars with my sister-in-law. She crapped on the idea for some stupid reason. Imagine how pissed I was over the first Prius.
    Damn, this happens to me ALL THE TIME.

    More often it turns out somebody beat me to it though.

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  • amxmachine

    fuck technology. all it does is make u want more and better technology because its gradeable and measurable. you cant measure real experiences like stalking wild boar and using a homemade longbow. i have a wild dream about a certain thing when they finally put up the space elevator but i know it only a route to supreme power and greed while relying on non self things

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  • cittykat

    That's a very envious trait you have.

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