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When I set out to write Fast Track Your Big Idea! I thought I was writing about how leaders can execute new strategies—faster. Somewhere between the first draft and the finished manuscript, I realized I was also living it.
Last week, I opened a plain brown box and pulled out something I’d dreamed of for a very long time — the first printed copies of my new book.
The smell of fresh ink. The weight of the book in my hands. The realization that this once-intangible idea had finally become real.
After years of writing, rewriting, and countless cups of coffee… it was finally here! That moment brought home every lesson I had tried to capture in the pages:
The hardest part of any big idea isn’t the plan or the process — it’s the people side of risk.
Why So Many Ideas Stall
81% of people surveyed have a big idea for a book they want to write someday.
15% percent start.
3% percent finish.
Less than 1% ever publish.
This isn’t a writing problem — it’s a RISK problem.
The same pattern plays out in organizations every day. A new strategy launches with excitement, bold slides, and clear intentions. Then reality sets in — shifting priorities, unclear ownership, competing voices, and the slow drain of momentum.
Most big ideas don’t fail because the idea was wrong. They fail because of a lack of clarity, alignment, trust, and communication. They quietly erode under pressure.
Living the System
Writing Fast Track Your Big Idea! forced me to apply the same principles I share with others — the Acceleration Advantage™ creates a flywheel, as you De-Risk, Align, Communicate, and Adapt your strategy.
- De-Risk: Clarify the “Why,” Why now,” and“Who”; and plan for “What if”. I began with a vision, but I had to step back and address the real-world risks I was going to face. It meant defining the problem this book was solving — and why it matters right now. I realized I couldn’t do it alone. I needed to clarify who was going to need to take action for my strategy to succeed: experts and supporters who would help me avoid going off track. And anticipate what would happen if they didn’t.
- Align: Get people on one page with accountability and structure. Momentum only lasts as long as clarity does. I created milestones, accountability partners, and a rhythm that kept the work moving even when my energy dipped. Alignment isn’t a one-time event — it’s a practice.
- Communicate: Engage others early and often. I didn’t wait for perfection. I tested ideas with early readers, in workshops, discussed them over coffee, and listened carefully to the questions and critiques that came back. Each conversation sharpened the message and helped others understand my ideas – and embrace them faster.
- Adapt: Keep learning and adjusting. Feedback sometimes stings, but it always refines. Speed bumps of human error, system issues, and unexpected pushback are part of the journey. Adaptating doesn’t mean compromise; it means staying committed to clarity and growth. That’s what keeps the flywheel turning.
Execution Is a Team Sport
Writing this book reminded me that execution of a big idea is never a solo act. Yes, I had the vision, but the success depended on so many others taking action alongside me. Whether they were on my “insider” team or those I serve — their insight, discipline, and collaboration turned my idea into impact.
It’s the same for every leader. Your big idea might start with you — but it only succeeds when others can see themselves in it, own a piece of it, and help carry it forward. And it is your responsibility to ensure they are ready, willing, and able to take action.
That’s the people side of risk — the side that most leaders underestimate but determines whether a great idea stays an idea, or becomes something that truly makes an impact in the world.
From Vision to Impact
When I finally held the finished book in my hands, I didn’t feel “done”. I felt grateful — for the people who helped me stay on course, for the feedback that sharpened the message, and for the reminder that every big idea requires a community of people to take action, or it doesn’t go anywhere.
So whatever your big idea is — a book, a new offering, a startup, a cause, or a dream you’ve been carrying for your life— ask yourself:
- Have I been willing to openly address the risk?
- Have I created structure and accountability to keep momentum?
- Am I communicating early and often enough to build confidence?
- Am I willing to adapt when reality shifts?
Your Momentum Starts Now. Get the Book and Take the First Step!
🎉 Fast Track Your Big Idea! is now officially available — and the e-book is just 99¢ during the launch. 👉 Get your copy and learn more. Explore the discussion guide to share with your team. Go to FastTrackYourBigIdea.com
Because once you master the people side of risk, your idea doesn’t just launch — it inspires and creates momentum. And that’s where the real impact begins.
I welcome your thoughts!
—Susan Schramm
This article is part of my blog, “Fast Track Insights”, providing practical ideas whether you are driving a new strategy or getting one back on track. I want to help you avoid common mistakes. Subscribe+ above to receive practical insights drawn from these blogs once or twice a month.