Receiving an idea or vision is a real blessing. Ideas are "God’s capital" in our life, helping us to see things before they exist – before God creates them through us. Many times ideas are given to us based on our abilities and talents, compelling us to move forward and use every tools we have to accomplish God’s will. Whether your venture is for business, ministry, or personal edification, the purpose of any vision is to move us forward towards something. Are you moving?

Once you determine whether the idea is a good idea or a ‘God’ idea, it’s time to do some preplanning. This preplanning is essential for assessing whether you need wait, gather more resources, or bring on more people to do it right. The best way to preplan is to find a quiet place, like your backyard or bedroom, and write down your vision. I like to use copier paper – since its completely blank, giving me a clean slate without any restrictions. You will use this sheet – and perhaps many other sheets – to profile your idea, disclosing its purpose, impact, provision, and maintenance. Who are you disclosing this to? YOUSELF!

Many times, we get so excited when we have an idea that we don’t stop to think of the different variables that exists before chasing this new thing. We run as fast as we can, justifying ourselves by saying that God will make it work. But, in reality, God’s ideas deserve much more effort from us. They deserve careful consideration and prayer. They deserve time for planning and wisdom in every decision.

Here are some questions you can answer in your quiet planning time:

1. Describe your idea in no more than two sentences. Format your wording in a way that would help you to explain your idea in an elevator or a personal introduction.
2. How does your idea impact your life and the lives of others?
3. What do you have that can be used to pursue this idea?
4. What resources do you need to ill in the gaps?
5. How long will the pursuit of this idea last?
6. What will you have accomplish upon succeeding?
7. What risks will you have to take to pursue this idea?
8. Are the risks worth the potential gain?
9. Have you received confirmation from a mentor or teacher that the idea is one that God has given you?
10. Who can you go to for advice regarding this idea? Who is in a similar field?
11. Would you be happy pursuing this idea?

These are just a few questions that tend to spawn several more questions as you write your answers down. Feel free to draw graphs, project profits, create organizational charts – whatever helps you to see the idea more clearly and bring it down from the clouds down to earth.

Once you finish, give yourself 72 hours to think about other things. Put your sheets in a safe place and walk away. I’ve seen many people finish this exercise and act immediately on their entrepreneurial impulses. Unless the idea is urgent, and you can bear the risk required to play, give your mind and emotions 72 hours to rest from the idea. Once your have done so, review your notes, adding new ideas and thoughts. This will help you to view your idea more objectively after time has passed.

Are you ready for the next step? Have you already been through this? Next week, I will be discussing team and resource gathering. This is the process of bringing together the resources necessary to begin your journey towards a successful venture. I can’t wait to share more time together!