How to Know If Your Idea Is Still Relevant
Not every idea goes stale just because time has passed or someone else has posted something similar. What matters isn’t when you thought of it, but whether it still solves a problem people care about.
Here’s how to test your idea before throwing it away.
1. Ask: Is the Problem Still Real?
Forget trends for a second. Focus on the problem.
Who was this idea meant to help?
Is that problem still showing up in their life or work?
Would this still feel helpful if someone saw it today?
A “yes” means the idea still matters. The strongest ideas solve ongoing problems, not short-lived ones.
2. Check if the Conversation Has Evolved
The core of your idea may still stand, but your take on it might need updating.
Ask:
Is there a better way to explain this now?
Has the context changed since I first wrote it?
Can I frame this more directly for today’s audience?
Relevance often comes from refreshing your angle, not abandoning the idea.
3. Look for Fresh Energy, Not Originality
If you’re stuck because “someone else already said it,” remember:
They haven’t said it in your voice, for your people, with your perspective.
In a noisy space, a familiar truth said clearly can be exactly what someone needs. You don’t need to be first. You just need to be useful.
4. Test It Small
Instead of overthinking, try a low-stakes test:
A tweet or thread
A quick Instagram story
A short email section
A real conversation with someone in your audience
Watch how people respond. A small test can reveal if the idea is worth expanding.
5. Ask: Am I Bored — or Just Scared?
When an idea feels irrelevant, it’s often one of two things:
You’ve lost the spark.
You’re afraid it won’t land.
Neither means the idea is wrong. Reconnect with why it mattered:
What excited me about this idea at first?
What outcome would it help someone achieve?
What version of it still feels true right now?
Chances are, the relevance is still there, it’s just buried under hesitation.
Bottom Line
Ideas don’t expire. They evolve.
Your course idea doesn’t need to be trendy or brand new. It just needs to be helpful, honest, and timely for the people who need it.
If you’re questioning it, don’t spiral. Ask sharper questions, test it small, and adjust. That’s how good ideas get stronger.
