In general I agree with the argument to continue to work on "an idea" (as opposed to a "bad idea") because specifically it keeps you in the game, active, meeting people, thinking, learning and practicing and targeted. [1]
The only issue I have is the thought of working on a "bad" idea (if that can even be defined) since time is a precious commodity. The time you spend occupied with your bad idea is time preventing you from doing the same with possibly a greater chance of succeeding with a better idea.
Let's take as an example of this thinking, dating.
I've always said that it's much better to go out of your home on a Saturday night, even alone, even to an unlikely place, because you have a greater chance of meeting someone than if you are sitting in your house. A potential date is not going to knock on your door or fall through the roof.
But that doesn't mean that you shouldn't try to maximize where you are to meet someone. A Barnes and Noble might be better for some people than a bar or vice versa depending on the person.
So at a certain point you need to make a decision as far as how you are spending your time to give you the best chance of gaining from the experience of the experience.
[1] Focus also gives you fun and enjoyment which puts you in a better state of mind to have success. Although I don't do it anymore I used to love to spend hours at the B&N looking for the perfect programming book to help with a particular thing that I wanted to learn. I really liked and looked forward to doing that and it had all sorts of positive effects prior to, before, and after the actual browsing.
Even though it may not amount to anything, working on a bad idea can still be useful. You might learn a new programming language or API. You might face some technical challenges which you face again on a future 'good idea' and can work through more quickly the second time. If you realize your idea is bad and you have a better one waiting, move to the better one. But if you know it's a bad idea and don't have anything to move on to there may be advantages to continuing.
More or less part of the point I was making. However using once again the example of a relationship, the equivalent would be staying in a relationship that is going nowhere (which doesn't even mean it's "bad" just that you know it won't end up where you want it to be for some reason..). As a result you are "tied up" and less able to iterate and take chances with meeting someone who might be the right person. In other words you have to be free and available in order to explore dating a new person and I simply feel that while there is a point to staying on your "bad" idea in order to learn and apply the knowledge elsewhere, time is not unlimited and being able to work on even finding or testing a potential new idea is priceless.
When the internet came along I was involved in a manufacturing startup which I put about a year worth of time and energy into (buying equipment, travel to shows etc.) After the operation was all setup I got the idea to put in a T-1 line and try the new "internet" thing. In a short time (a few months) it became apparent that the new idea was much better than the old idea which would have taken much much more time. I sold off everything and focused solely on the new idea rather than split my time between two ideas. (And back in early 1996 btw it wasn't crystal clear that the internet was going to be what it is today so it was taking somewhat of a gamble since the other idea was proven and the market was mature..)
The only issue I have is the thought of working on a "bad" idea (if that can even be defined) since time is a precious commodity. The time you spend occupied with your bad idea is time preventing you from doing the same with possibly a greater chance of succeeding with a better idea.
Let's take as an example of this thinking, dating.
I've always said that it's much better to go out of your home on a Saturday night, even alone, even to an unlikely place, because you have a greater chance of meeting someone than if you are sitting in your house. A potential date is not going to knock on your door or fall through the roof.
But that doesn't mean that you shouldn't try to maximize where you are to meet someone. A Barnes and Noble might be better for some people than a bar or vice versa depending on the person.
So at a certain point you need to make a decision as far as how you are spending your time to give you the best chance of gaining from the experience of the experience.
[1] Focus also gives you fun and enjoyment which puts you in a better state of mind to have success. Although I don't do it anymore I used to love to spend hours at the B&N looking for the perfect programming book to help with a particular thing that I wanted to learn. I really liked and looked forward to doing that and it had all sorts of positive effects prior to, before, and after the actual browsing.