I was recently asked if I ever worry about someone stealing my ideas, and I thought you might be interested in my reply:

I learned very early on that it is so hard to write a truly great song that most people in the biz would much rather connect with a person capable of creating them than to try to steal rough ideas from them. It isn’t altruism on their part, it’s pragmatism.

In many respects, stealing ideas is something that all creators do because
everyone builds off the ideas, concepts, directions, and visions of others—intentionally
or otherwise. Although great ideas are rare and precious, implementing them in
truly great ways is infinitely harder. One could have the idea of the statue
David or the painting of the Sistine Chapel, but it takes a master to create
such perfection. I believe it was Vince Lombardi who said something to the
effect that he’d have no problem sharing his playbook with the opposing team
just before a game, because it isn’t the plays that are important but the successful
execution of them.

The world is a big pie and there is plenty for everyone. And people who think this way tend to recognize, appreciate, and want to play with others who think ths way too.

Greatness can’t be stolen, and ideas without greatness rarely take people very far.

Time will tell as to how good of a songwriter, storyteller, or investment manager I can become, but I will never know until I give it all I’ve got. As long as I’m enjoying these adventures, in some ways it really doesn’t matter whether or how much greatness I discover in myself. Even if I turn out to be mediocre in all these and other endeavors, if I can inspire greatness in others I will feel like I’ve accomplished something truly worthy and special.