If It Doesn’t Exist, Create It.
The #5 issue of the Learning Loop.
Have you ever searched for something—a book, a product, a community or even simple quality as kindness—only to realize it doesn’t exist? That moment can be frustrating. But what if it’s also an invitation?
Toni Morrison famously said, “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” This wisdom extends far beyond books. It applies to businesses, inventions, ideas, personalities and even movements. If the thing you’re looking for isn’t out there, there is a possibility that you are the one to bring it to life.
The Best Ideas Start as Frustrations
Many of the most successful ideas started with a gap that someone refused to ignore or perhaps solving an ache.
J.K. Rowling imagined a story that didn’t exist in the world, so she wrote Harry Potter.
Steve Jobs wasn’t satisfied with the technology available, so he built Apple into what it is today.
Patagonia’s founder, Yvon Chouinard, started making better climbing gear because nothing on the market met his needs.
These people weren’t experts when they began. What differentiated them from you and me was the willingness to solve that problem. Just take it; “the World Needs Your Perspective!”
We often assume that if something doesn’t exist, there must be a reason. Maybe no one wants it. Maybe someone smarter has already tried and failed. But that’s far from being true. Simply put, NO ONE has taken the leap.
What’s something you’ve been searching for? A book with a unique perspective? A tool that simplifies a problem? A product/service to simplify work? Instead of waiting for someone else to create it, what if you started?
You don’t have to begin with a fully formed vision. Just take the first step:
Write the blog post or book you wish existed.
Start the podcast that answers the questions you keep asking.
Build the tool that would make your life easier.
Gather the people who share your interests and create a space for them.
Starting Small Is Enough! The early days of Airbnb were just two guys renting out an air mattress in their apartment. Simple, right! You could do it.
Your idea doesn’t have to be perfect because you can never have a fully formed idea. It’s a skeleton first, then build the flesh as you go. But by starting, you create something where nothing existed before. And sometimes, that’s all it takes to spark something bigger than you ever imagined.
What’s Missing? What’s something you wish existed but haven’t been able to find? Hit reply—I’d love to hear about it.
Until the next issue,
Thamu Allan