7 Things Every Good Idea Needs

When my son and I were at a local Asian restaurant, we ended our meal with a fortune cookie. Mine read, "An unusual idea will lead to your success" and it got me thinking. Is a good idea just luck? How is it one idea that rises above the rest? Is there something special about an idea that makes it great?

Sometimes it seems like it can be very complicated when it comes to finding a good idea. If you're unsure whether your idea is worth pursuing, ask yourself whether it has these seven qualities:

Is it Simple?
The best idea in the world isn't going to help anyone if no one understands it. You must be able to explain your idea in as few words as possible. Can anyone grasp the concept behind your idea in just two or three sentences? 

How Useful is Your Idea?
What need does your idea fulfill? If there's no purpose to your idea or practical application, it cannot be considered a truly great idea.

Can Your Idea Stand the Test of Time?
Of course, somebody's will only fill a need today. This would still make it a good idea. A truly great idea, though, has a long-reaching application. If your idea fills a need today, tomorrow, next week, and next year then you have something. A truly great idea is evergreen.  

Can You Put Your Idea into Practice?
Many ideas are great on a theoretical level. But what can you do with it? If you can't make your idea a reality, it can't possibly be a good idea. 

Is Your Idea Needed Right Now?
Well, some ideas are useful for the future, a truly great idea fills a need right now. What's going on in the world, which this idea can solve? How do how does this make today better? 

Can this Idea Be Linked to Other Ideas?
Does this idea stand alone, or are there other applications? Is it possible your idea can work with a different idea to create something entirely new? 

What Can Your Idea Get You?
Sure, altruism is excellent, but if your idea can somehow make your life more profitable, all the better. This isn't to say a great idea can't just make the world a better place. We love ideas that benefit humanity. But there is something to be said about an idea that puts a few dollars in your pocket or somehow makes your life easier. 

Whether the goal of your ideas is to make your personal life better or to solve a problem that you're having at work, the test remains the same. By going through this list, you will find out whether an idea is viable. What's even better is how quickly you'll learn which ideas are worth pursuing and which are not.

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