Ever have a great idea others thought was crazy? Don’t listen to the dream crushers. Here’s some inspiration for all those with “crazy” ideas…
In 14 trades, Kyle MacDonald turned one red paperclip into a house with stops at a snowglobe, year’s rent at an apartment, snowmobile and more along the way. Just goes to show with some creativity and fun, ideas can grow into very big things.
Next times someone calls YOU crazy, send them this story.
You can visit his website and find out more about how he did it and what he’s up to now at http://oneredpaperclip.com/
Photo credit: forbiddenarts from morguefile.com
Melanie Kisse... (8)
Michelle (6)
Lauren Huston (3)
Derek Potocki... (2)
Diana Simon (2)
Hajra (2)
Heather Bestel (2)
Lynne Quintana (2)
Marcia Franco... (2)
Paul B. Taubm... (2)
Michelle has been online since the late 80s, creating websites since the early 90s, and has coded thousands of web pages in that time. She's worked as a virtual assistant and website designer for small business owners including marketers, authors, coaches, crafters, and other solopreneuers.
I remember hearing about this story – totally inspiring and fun to see how he proved so many wrong by thinking differently.
Hx
Last blog ..WAHM Tips- Clutter Free is Stress Free
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
I missed it when it happened originally. Craziness! But that’s some seriously creative thinking. :)
Twitter: stevenerice
says:
Had heard of this guy back when he did this. It is inspiring to think of what is possible when we do what we don’t know we can! :) Thanks for this vivid reminder, Michelle.
Last blog ..Power of Peace
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
It is a great reminder. I can only imagine how many people around him thought he was crazy. But it worked!
Twitter: WAHMSolution
says:
That’s so awesome and creative . . . and it brought tears to my eyes at the end :). I might have to share this (I keep “stealing” the videos you share ’cause they’re so cool).
Last blog ..What’s Your Type Top 25 Types of Blog Posts
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
YouTube is great, isn’t it? I love finding these. :)
Twitter: BruceWDarby
says:
Michelle,
All around us there is creativity. This is one example of how the value of our own creativity can be increased as our dreams grow. I had heard of this one before, but it’s still a good reminder that dreams do come true.
Last blog ..Is time passé
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
Yes, they do! :)
Last blog ..One Red Paperclip A House
Twitter: melaniekissell
says:
Wow — this is over the top!
I applaud Kyle because his spirit moved him to do something on a whim. He took a risk. He took action. He jumped right in and didn’t take months creating a “plan”. And he was fearless!
I believe Kyle’s story is a wonderful portrayal of passion and compassion. The sheer number of lives he touched with his “one red paper clip” idea is enough to put a lifetime’s worth of smiles on your face.
Thanks for sharing!
Last blog ..5 Monster Size Marketing Mistakes
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
It’s a good reminder, too, that we can help other people along the way when we’re working towards something. Even better that reaching a dream is reaching ours and helping others reach theirs. :) Little dreams, big dreams, they all put a smile on our faces.
Last blog ..25 Ways to Magically Transform Your Content to Reach More People
Thanks Michelle. The paper clip story put a smile on my face. Thank you for sharing. It goes to show that anything is possible as long as you stick with it. Don’t let any one rain on your parade.
thanks Debbie
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
Love that — no raining on our parades! Thanks, Debbie.
Last blog ..Rethink What’s Stopping You
I thought that was Don in the clip! He’s a good family friend of mine. LOVE this story!
Last blog ..Osama bin Laden Killed- Mission Accomplished
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
Very cool, Lauren! It is an awesome story.
Last blog ..Creating Awesome- Just Swing- Hit and Run Like Crazy
Twitter: hajraks
says:
His story was included in my college, a paper called “success stories from across the globe”. It’s all about having a dream and the belief that nothing is unachievable.
Last blog ..AS KREATIV AS I CAN BE!
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
Smart professor! Examples of people who think outside the box to reach their goals are wonderful for helping to inspire us and help us find success in unconventional ways.
Last blog ..Re-use- Re-write- Recycle! Get More From Your Content
Twitter: GratitudeGuru
says:
A good lesson was also learned – Know your Exit! This refers to knowing how you are going to end what you are doing. Where do you want to finish? What is your goal? Although Kyle knew he just wanted to keep trading up, he had not thought through to the end. I read an article that mentioned that he was hit with a huge tax liability since his cost basis initially started as a paperclip (a few cents) and ended with a house (Thousands and Thousands of dollars). The IRS wants their share of that as a capital gains tax! Ouch!
Always know your exit!
Be Well.
Paul.
Last blog ..5 Mobile Apps to Boost Your Productivity and Increase Your Gratitude