In interior design, we are constantly turning creative ideas into reality. This process of turning ideas into reality is a difficult process which requires hard work, creativity, flexibility, and perseverance. In order to make our design ideas a reality, we spend be diligent and innovative. By listening to clients and understanding their lifestyle needs, we can form ideas which will enhance their daily lives. As interior designers, we work in the realm of ideas and the practical. By combining our creative ideas with hard work and tenacity, we can create spaces which are beautiful and functional.

Glenn Llopis of Forbes Magazine says the following:

Converting an idea into a reality (regardless of the required investment of time and money) is never an easy task. In fact, it is extremely difficult. Whether you are an entrepreneur or corporate executive, “giving ideas life” is much like giving birth to a child. You must own the responsibility regardless of the circumstances. No one will ever understand your idea or the dynamics associated with it like you do. In this regard, you are on your own and the journey will require you to learn about yourself – more than anything else will in your career. As the old saying goes, “If it were easy – everyone would do it.”

If it was easy to turn an idea into reality, we would have people implementing innovative ideas every day. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Turning a good idea into a reality is a very difficult endeavor. Many people start working on their design idea only to quit after a short time. As designers, we must work with tenacity and persistence on a daily basis. Interior design is not for the faint of heart. By deciding to never give up on a project or idea until we see its completion, we can find success and satisfaction. If we commit to the difficult process of turning our ideas to reality, we will grow as professionals and designers.

Llopis gives the following advice on turning your idea into a reality:

Believe in Yourself.

You can’t take action until you believe in yourself enough to handle the consequences of your decisions. Any time you assume the responsibility to give something that had not existed before an opportunity to become a reality – you become accountable for your actions. Accountability requires believing in yourself enough to be 100% dedicated to getting the work done. Most people fail to take an idea to fruition because the unexpected challenges become more than they think they can handle and thus they no longer want to be accountable. They lose the belief in themselves to see things through all the way to the end.

This is the reason why many creatives refuse to move forward with their ideas. They do not want to be rejected. They do not want others to look down on their designs and ideas. If we allow fear to dictate our actions, we will never be all that we can be. By being bold and believing in ourselves, we can begin to start the process of turning our ideas into reality.

Llopis also says this:

Embrace Risk as Your Best Friend.

Risk becomes your best friend when you give birth to an idea. If you can accept this fact, you will approach the process with a lens that keeps your dreams and ambitions in perspective and on track. When things don’t go as planned along the way, stay focused on the mission at hand and do not allow disruption to set you backward. Risk is normal.

You often hear that “working hard” is an imperative to convert ideas into reality. But in fact, it is the most fundamental commitment one must make to assume any form of risk management. As such, you must find a way to make this level of commitment if you want to continue on the journey.

If we do not have the courage to pursue our ideas, we will not have breakthrough moments. Instead of allowing fear to keep us from our best ideas, we must push through the barriers and find ways to complete our designs. When we do the hard work of creativity, we will see our ideas come into fruition. It is only when we engage in the unglamorous arena of hard work and persistence that we reach our creative goals and turn dreams into reality. Our clients need us to be innovative, creative, and hardworking. As we pursue our ideas with a relentless pursuit of excellence and persistence, we will create spaces which impact our clients’ lives in positives ways.

As Steve Jobs said,

Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.

We can choose to be a leader and not a follower as we step out courageously. Our ideas become reality as we combine hard work and creativity.