Weekend Challenge. Change the world...for the better.

"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people" Eleanor Roosevelt

I read a blog post late this morning. It was a sterling post and represented a good idea. Quite literally. Check it out [here], please.

It was a shame that I didn't read it earlier, but it doesn't mean that I can't participate - or indeed urge you all to give it a try too.

As engineers - I have noticed that we are full of ideas. We are tickled by and receptive to propositions of a clever nature too. I think we can 'visualise' the how and why that an idea becomes a successful one, after the event. Creativity though, is recognising a great idea before it has been fully grown. Having said that - my experience is that we [engineers] are reserved, and often do not like to show our excitement initially. Quite often if we are to be the ones to call the shots on a pre-grown idea, we mull it over, run it through a number of filters and...YAWN...possibilities before making a solid commitment. By that time someone else [probably our competition] has already completed the original task, and begun pursuing the next stage of development. 

Perhaps this is what Lord Sugar was referring to... 

There's nothing wrong with that - as it seems to be the way which we are brought into this world. Childlike in our curiosity, Superhero like in our powers to shoulder responsibility.

Paralysis through analysis.

"Ideas can be life-changing. Sometimes all you need to open the door, is just one more good idea" Jim Rohn

Back to the original post. I propose that you all, take 60 minutes today or this during this weekend and literally smash this page with as many stupidly cool, preposterously funny, astoundingly magnificent, and uselessly crud ideas as possible. I'll do the same too. Just watch.

Finally today, I'm going to leave you all with an extraordinary engineering business venture which is taking place right under our noses. This engineer is pushing hard. I have been watching his online ventures with interest since 2008, and this is the first time I have ever mentioned him anywhere. His name is Kevin Taylor.

To put it simply, I am scared, and I don't know why yet... perhaps you can help me? 

Read these links and let me know what your thoughts are.

http://www.structuralengineerrefer.com/ [great idea being turned into reality]

http://www.beamcalcs.com/instant/index.html [interesting promotional tool]

http://www.steelbeamcalculator.co.uk/ [high risk - but could very well appeal with the right marketing]

"It is not once nor twice but times without number that the same ideas make their appearance in the world" Aristotle

Engine[er]