Have you ever had an idea stolen and didn't know what to do about it?

If you're a human, your answer to the above question was almost certainly a "YES!"

We've all had ideas stolen from us. It's a normal part of the human experience. The problem, however,  lies in how we deal with it. I've been teaching art (filmmaking and photography) for over a decade, and I've been a full-time artist myself for nearly two decades. In this time, I've had plenty of ideas (artistic and business) taken from me. The worst part about it is that it was usually from people I trusted or admired. 

Many of my students react so adversely to having their ideas taken that some have even given up. They quit art altogether. It's too much for them to bear. The heartbreak and the insecurity of feeling they couldn't develop another unique idea was too much for them. 

I've given up on myself in the past too. I almost quit art altogether. But now I've learned how to throw a positive spin on a negative situation. I use it as fuel to inspire me to work even harder. 

These are just seven ways I've used to help with the heartbreak of having ideas stolen. If you find benefit in it, please share. We never know who might need a positive boost!