A mind that over-analyses delays effective action. When we dwell on something for too long, we lose sight of the essence of the idea. That is how we deprive ourselves of our most valuable ideas. What is most valuable comes suddenly, without processing or interpretation, like a flash of genius, a ‘eureka’ moment for the intellect. Will you dare to make a decision by listening solely to your inner impulse and present it to the world?

Discovery

History shows that those who trusted their inner genius have achieved success. This is how we discovered 19th-century inventors such as Archimedes and Newton.

The most famous example was Archimedes' discovery whilst taking a bath, when he realised the important principle of buoyancy. Newton had a similar story: he discovered the theory of gravity thanks to a falling apple whilst relaxing under a tree.

There were also instances when great scientists, such as Dmitri Mendeleev, experienced moments of inspiration at night. It was in the morning that he wrote down the periodic table.

We can also highlight cases where great discoveries were made by mistake, such as Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin thanks to mould that had formed by chance.

What do these stories have in common? Certainly a sense of spontaneity that was trusted. Great discoveries are not the result of lengthy analysis but rather a stepping beyond the boundaries of normality. Because, to see a pattern beyond the pattern, one must believe in a touch of madness.

Individualism

Inspiration requires an inner acceptance of your individuality. To rise above the prevailing norm in formulating something new, you must believe unquestionably in your individuality. This self-confidence cannot be merely an empty slogan; it must be the driving force behind every idea. No great idea is born of uncertainty; it arises from radical self-confidence. Belief in your inner voice is the building block for creating a new concept.

Openness to our own exploration is also key. Every idea begins with a moment of brief hesitation: does it make sense to focus one’s attention on something that is detached from everything else? For every idea is not about the existing order of things but about creating something completely different, something new. Formulating a new idea therefore requires a decision to focus our own attention on its realisation. It is like giving a vote of confidence to an invisible idea with no guarantees whatsoever. So only a mind open to experimentation and novelty can go with the flow of change and trust the current of madness.

Madness and vision

The line between madness and vision is a very fine one. But it is precisely the visionary idea that has its origins in the irrational. Nothing innovative is born of the ordinary; a breakthrough requires breaking the mould. And only those who are not afraid of their own courage and originality can break the mould. Every visionary idea arises from a deep sense of the meaning of one’s own vision. This flash of inspiration is usually brief and requires a swift response before the mind begins to rationalise it and assail it with doubts. For no irrational idea will be taken seriously by the mind. And this is the moment when it is worth ceasing to listen to the mind, if only for a moment. For great ideas arise in a flash of inspiration.

The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.’

(Steve Jobs)

Conquering fear

David Bowie, a famous artist, often said in interviews that true art is born when something begins to frighten us and when the vision is greater than the fear. The next famous performance artist, Marina Abramović, spoke similarly, emphasising the value of stepping outside one’s comfort zone in art. It is by surprising ourselves and taking on new challenges that we can expect new results. When we rehash old ideas, we shouldn’t expect new results. New outcomes emerge when we adopt a completely new perspective. They involve taking the plunge and require going with the flow.

Do one thing every day that scares you.

(Eleanor Roosevelt)

Overcoming your inner doubts and silencing the voice of fear of the unknown allows you to reach a new level of creativity in life. If you want a new life – for yourself and others – take your fear out of the drawer and show your idea. Bring it to life, sell it, and spread the word. And do so all the more the more irrational it is. Because the world needs people who are irrationally unwavering in their innovative outlook. The world needs mad geniuses who want to help humanity create a better life.

The greatest ideas have their origins in an illogical mind. That quiet voice of intuition, which becomes a flash of inspiration, is one of the most elusive moments. These moments are not merely time ticking away on a clock. They are pivotal moments for trusting your wild instinct to follow an idea or to give it up in favour of normality and the ordinary. Which path will you choose in this crazy second?