5 Questions For inventRight Coach Keanu Alfaro

Meet inventRight coach, Keanu Alfaro, from San Diego, California. He's been through the innovation maze and back. Drawing from his adventures, we're digging into some priceless tips on staying motivated and handling setbacks. So, buckle up for some pro insights into the world of inventing!

1. How do you stay motivated to work on your inventions when you feel like they're going nowhere? 

I will put my projects down completely. Allow myself to meditate, reflect and remind myself of the many reasons why I love this industry. I spend quality time with my family. When it feels like projects aren't going anywhere, and I don't have the discipline to do the things I need to do, I think about them. I tell myself, “there are people depending on me”. That motivates me really quick.

2. Do you have a tip or strategy for dealing with rejection? 

Developing a short memory and thick skin are essential. Reminding myself that my own happiness, my health, and wellbeing and that of my friends and family are my greatest priorities. Nothing else compares. That relieves much of the doubt and worry that comes with rejection. I try to slow the game down. Not put too much pressure on any one project.

3. When do you decide to give up on an idea and move on to the next one? 

When I feel I've given it my all, but the market hasn't responded the way I had hoped. It's important for me to set a target. I need to do X in X amount of time. If I accomplish that, but the results I wanted to haven't manifested, then I'll put that idea down and let it sit for a while. Then I might decide to revisit it later!

4. What’s a tip you would give to new inventors? 

Come up with a lot of ideas!! Learn to package those ideas for the appropriate audience. Talk to people who you think can help bring your ideas to life. Don't stop until you find people who want to help.

5. What is something you thought you needed but actually didn’t when you started inventing? (ie- prototype, patent, etc). 

Intellectual Property, in my opinion, is the most misunderstood aspect of inventing. Everyone should ask themselves WHY they require something, before they rush out to get it.