This is exciting…

Google has announced a contest where they have set aside $10 million dollars to fund up to five ideas that can help change the world.

It’s called “Project 10 to the 100“.

It was first announced live on CNN and once you go to the Google website you’ll be able to read why they created this contest.

Here’s an excerpt…

“If you have an idea that you believe would help somebody, we want to hear about it. We’re looking for ideas that help as many people as possible, in any way, and we’re committing the funding to launch them.”

The reason I love this is because it encourages innovation and creativity.  Unfortunately, I think society is sucking the desire for small business owners to pursue their ideas - especially if they are a little “unusual”.

This “drain” is magnified when times are tough but it’s during these times when we need creativity the most.

Many people teach the concept of “Creative Imitation“.

On the surface, creatively imitating is fine but for long-term success I think it can be dangerous.  Making something “slightly better” won’t change the world.

That’s why I LOVE what Google is doing…

They are leading the way by encouraging the general public to share their ideas (unusual, whacky or “out there”) in an attempt to help as many people as possible.

Obviously I’m compelled to this story because in our own way, my wife and I are trying to do the same thing with our World Teacher Aid projects.

I know first hand that you can’t make your stamp on the world without being creative - especially in third world countries.  In these areas you have to be creative in the way you stretch the money raised in order for it to make a sustainable impact.

Let me say it again - I believe in the power of creativity.

On a personal level it’s helped me build my dream business and create the lifestyle I always wanted.  If I didn’t pursue my ideas, I’d be stuck in a J.O.B doing what everyone with my degree “was suppose to do” - work for a big company and climb the “company ladder”.

But it goes beyond that…

Creativity leads to innovative ideas.

Innovative ideas lead to progress.

Progress leads to a better world.

Personally, I want to make the world a better place and I believe it all starts with the courage to pursue creative ideas.

That’s why I applaud Google and I give them a “virtual high five” for their efforts in refocusing us on the fact that anything is possible and if you have an idea (even if it’s a little unusual), pursue it.