By Samantha McKenzie

“And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.”         (Bible, Mark 2:22)

Have you ever shared a new idea with someone who responded in a negative way? Instead of meeting your excitement with encouragement, they told you exactly why it wouldn’t work.

Instead of seeing your vision or trying to understand the big picture, they called you crazy, criticized you for even trying, and left you feeling deflated?

There’s nothing more exhilarating than bringing a dream into reality. For those of you who have taken a small idea and turned it into something big, you know exactly what I mean. It’s a living, breathing thing. It gives you energy and every step towards it, makes you feel more alive!

Ideas should be nurtured like newborns. From conception to birth, you should be protective through the entire process. You bear the load without complaining and along the way you discover the depth and determination that lives inside of you.

Your ideas are like new wine. It’s natural to want to share your goals with others. It’s hard to contain good news. But you can’t share with everyone. Not everyone can look at a seed and see the fruit it will one day bear.

Some people are hardwired to point out the flaws. They are quick to identify the pitfalls and insist they have your best interests at heart. Sometimes it’s a parent or a close friend who wants to spare you from failure. Sometimes it’s your boss or someone you look up to who tries to deter you from wasting your time. They often mean well.

They represent old wineskin. Even unintentionally, they chip away at your vision and take the wind right out of you.

Protect your dreams from these naysayers.

When you’re building something great you have to limit who you pour your ideas into. It’s not necessary to get a large consensus to move forward. Most groundbreaking ideas were birthed in the smallest of wombs, like someone’s garage or an incubated space.

Be selective with your inner circle. Find a risk taker in your bunch. Look for an expert to consult with. Share your idea with people who can guide you or will provide feedback that will enhance your idea. Find people who have the spirit of a cheerleader and the viewpoint of a good cornerman.

Share your vision with people who — after witnessing your multiple failed attempts — still believe it can be done.

Pour your new wine in new wineskin and let it expand.