Charlie Munger Quote on Ideas and Why You Should Start Taking Them Seriously

“Take a simple idea and take it seriously.”

Charlie Munger

Beyond the Quote (224/365)

Reading 20 pages from a book every day is a simple idea. Writing in your journal before bed every night is a simple idea. Going for a walk every morning is a simple idea. Stopping eating after 8pm every night is a simple idea. Reaching out to and connecting with at least one friend every day is a simple idea. People have these types of ideas all of the time. The problem isn’t the ideas or even the simplicity of the ideas (although “complicated” can certainly be a problem). The problem is the taking of the ideas seriously.

When you take an idea seriously it means you make it a priority. It means you prioritize the execution of the idea above your desire to do other things. It means you give weight to the idea rather than to your moods. It means even when you don’t want to do your idea because you’re tired, feeling lazy, or have something out of the ordinary going on—you do it anyway. It isn’t something you later jokingly excuse or brush off like you never meant what you said. When you take your ideas seriously, it means you take yourself seriously. This is the attitude of discipline. This is the mindset of success. This is the practice of building good habits.

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The key guiding principle behind the success of any idea is in the seriousness in which the idea is taken. Because the more serious you are about your ideas, the more deliberate you will be with your actions. This is, fundamentally, the difference between amateurs and pros. Amateurs approach their work with a light-heartedness and work when they’re in the mood. Professionals take their work seriously and work everyday regardless of their mood. This difference in perspective changes everything in how the work is approached and handled.

Understand, there’s nothing wrong with being an amateur. But, don’t complain when you aren’t getting the same results as the professionals. Even if the person you’re comparing yourself to isn’t a professional, per se, you still can’t compare light-hearted, mood-swinging actions to deliberate, full-hearted, committed actions. It’s like comparing your uncle who loves playing basketball on occasion to a professional basketball player. Or comparing your friend who has a DSLR camera and likes to shoot when it’s nice outside to a professional photographer. It’s no contest.

If you want to start getting better results then you need to be more serious about your actions. And the actions you take are going to be determined by the ideas you commit to. So, find yourself a simple idea that captivates you and is going to give you a good return on investment, and take your commitment to that idea seriously. You need to make your word, law. When you say you’re going to do something, become the kind of person who does it. No deviation. No excuses. No wishy-washy mentalities.

And understand that any challenge or obstacle that arises along the way—is precisely what needs to be taken seriously. It’s easy to be “serious” about your ideas when you’re motivated, excited, and in the mood. It’s hard to be “serious” when you’re unmotivated, tired, and distracted. The hard times are the real test of “seriousness.” Remember this the next time a curveball gets thrown your way. Remember this the next time you’re tired and want to quit. Remember this when you’re in-laws are coming in from out of town and your normal routine gets thrown off. And if for no other reason, remember that to take your ideas seriously is to take yourself seriously—and you owe at least that to yourself.

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