Not long ago, I overheard two people at a coffee shop pulling apart someone’s new business idea. One had “tried something similar” and claimed it didn’t work. The other declared the whole thing “a scam” without much explanation. Within five minutes, they’d written off the idea completely, not based on facts, but on hearsay and a single disappointing experience.
I couldn’t help wondering how many promising ideas are left on the shelf because the loudest voices in the room happen to be the ones who quit early. It’s easy to let opinions like that shape our own thinking. But should they?
The problem with borrowed conclusions
When someone says they tried something and failed, it often sounds like a warning sign… but what does that failure really mean? Was it the concept itself, or the way it was executed? Did they give it a real go, or half-heartedly dabble? Were their expectations realistic?
People often draw firm conclusions from limited evidence and then share those conclusions freely. Unfortunately, when we accept them at face value we might talk ourselves out of an idea before we’ve even properly looked into it.
Before dismissing something because someone else gave up, ask yourself:
- Have I heard from anyone who’s actually made it work?
- Is this person’s experience even relevant to my situation?
- What would I need to know to form my own opinion?
Try it, test it, then decide
Not every venture needs a full commitment up front. Some opportunities are well-suited to a test-and-learn approach: low-risk, relatively low-cost, and often flexible enough to try without upending your life. If you’re curious but unsure, starting small can be a great way to explore the potential.
Rather than asking “Will this work?” try asking “How could I test this without too much risk?”
For example:
- Want to start offering a service? Offer it to one person or business first and ask for feedback.
- Thinking about selling a product? Try a small online batch before investing in stock.
- Considering a career shift? Take on a freelance project or shadow someone in the field.
But don’t just dive in blindly, set a few clear objectives. What would success look like in a month? In three months? What metrics or signs will help you decide whether to continue or pivot? That way even if it doesn’t take off the experience will still be valuable. You’ll have tested something with intention, rather than abandoning an idea based on someone else’s discouragement.
Curiosity over cynicism
There’s a big difference between healthy scepticism and automatic dismissal. One helps you make better decisions; the other blocks them altogether. Instead of letting a single bad review or a friend’s failed attempt become the whole story do your own research. Speak to people who’ve succeeded. Ask questions. Try something small. Learn as you go.
Even if you decide it’s not for you, you’ll know that based on your own insights and not someone else’s assumptions.
Final thought
Every success story starts with someone who gave it a go, often while others stood back and watched. You don’t have to ignore warning signs but don’t let them drown out possibilities either. There’s often more to gain by exploring than by shutting the door early. So if something sparks your interest, test it. Set your own markers. Be open to the fact that it might not work, but be equally open to the idea that it might.
Patrick Hickman 