The One-Night Stand Mindset – How to Have an Unforgettable One-Night Stand With Your Calling
- Brainz Magazine
- Oct 15
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 17
Sheun David Onamusi is a respected and inspiring healthcare collaborator, entrepreneur, and mind coach. He is the founder of Efra Wellbeing, a wellbeing startup, and Still Dapper UK, a bespoke leather goods company. An award-winning author, mentor, and part-time communications advisor to emerging leaders.
Permit me to start this article with a confession. Some of the most memorable decisions I've made in my career and life didn't begin with a detailed plan. While they often involved some level of preparation and a vision of the end goal, many of these choices came from a hunch, a spark that defied the status quo. It was a moment of instant clarity, sometimes incomprehensible, that compelled me to do what I didn't want to do or thought I couldn't do, only to prove myself wrong, much like the thrill of a one-night stand.
And no, I'm not promoting hookup culture here
As a keen observer of human social interactions and an unapologetic "gist-lover," I have had interactions with people who find that there is something electric about one-night stands. A rush that comes from stepping into the unknown without expectations or judgment. While there may be a moral argument against it, the phenomenon is often born from a degree of courage that we could learn from. The decision to act, despite the uncertainty, can be exhilarating. This mindset isn't only relevant in romantic terms. It can also serve as an empowering metaphor for anyone trying to solve complex problems, unlock bold ideas, or navigate unfamiliar territory, especially when the future is uncertain.
As entrepreneurs, leaders, and creatives, we are often encouraged to plan thoroughly and execute only when the details are flawless. But what if the most transformative breakthroughs occur when we act quickly, with clarity and boldness, rather than relying on perfectly laid-out plans?
After observing innovators across various industries, I've come to believe that this "one-night stand" mindset can accelerate execution, spark innovation, and unlock creative freedom in ways that traditional planning often cannot.
Ditch the five-year plan and forget it, just for a moment
Not every challenge needs a comprehensive strategy. Sometimes, it only takes a bold, decisive move to change the wheel of fortune. Ambiguity, rather than being a hindrance, can be a catalyst for creativity. Many successful companies, such as Gmail, Twitter, and Airbnb, didn't start with extensive planning. Many were side projects born from curiosity and a willingness to try something new.
A one-night stand isn't meant to last forever. It doesn't offer guarantees. What it provides is intensity, presence, and a sharp focus on the now. The same principle applies in the world of startups through the concept of the minimum viable product (MVP). A minimum version of your product commitment brought to life for the temporary pleasure of your targeted audience. Dropbox, for example, launched its "one-night stand" version of the platform with a simple three-minute demo video before any code was written. That video ended up attracting thousands of early adopters. The goal wasn't permanence. It was validation. There was a clear idea, a proof of concept, and a belief in potential impact that thrilled its early adopters enough to come back beyond a one-time experience with the product.
When we treat ideas as experiments rather than long-term commitments, we allow room to test, learn, and create a longing in the minds of users.
Presence beats perfection
In a one-night stand, there's often a liberating absence of overthinking. You're simply experiencing an imperfect moment in the present.
That mindset is rare for most of us, where perfectionism often masquerades as the ideal. We wait until the proposal is flawless, the presentation is perfect, and everything is foolproof. But the reality is that bold creativity requires presence, not polished perfection.
I once worked with a team that prototyped a customer journey using cardboard boxes, string, and handwritten notes. It was messy, fast, and nowhere near perfect. Yet, within 48 hours, it helped the product sponsors visualise a logistics model that six months of slide decks had failed to communicate.
What I learned from this experience is profound. Our most significant advancements often arise not from a relentless pursuit of perfection but from a willingness to embrace the present moment and allow our creativity to flow unimpeded. When we let go of the fear of imperfection, we open the door to innovation and progress, leading to results that exceed our expectations.
Perfection is overrated (just ask Shonda Rhimes)
Shonda Rhimes, the acclaimed creator of popular television shows such as Grey's Anatomy and Scandal, has said that some of her most effective writing comes from shifting her focus from the pursuit of perfection to being present in the act of writing.
Perfectionism can significantly hinder creativity by fostering self-doubt and slowing down progress, often leading to excessive self-criticism of ideas. Take, for example, a partner at a consulting firm who had a tight deadline and decided to propose a campaign centred on catchy memes and trending soundbites. Initially, the client was sceptical about its potential effectiveness, but guess what? They eventually loved it.
Innovation doesn't always require perfect execution. Sometimes it thrives on the courage to take risks and capitalise on emerging trends. Creativity flourishes in an atmosphere that values immediacy and relevance over perfection.
Treat some ideas like experiments, not commitments
Here's a refreshing truth. Not every idea has to lead to a long-term project. Not every concept is meant to be permanent. Some ideas are valuable simply because they were tested, not developed. By removing the pressure to create something permanent, you can build something impactful. When we give ourselves permission to try, without expecting a lasting commitment, we invite creativity and innovation to thrive.
Lessons last longer than the moment
Like a one-night stand, some ideas may not last, but their impact does. While you may likely forget the details of "the night," you'll remember the feeling of being bold, free, and fully engaged. That memory then becomes part of your mental toolkit for the next challenge.
In work and in life, people tend to remember the moments that broke routine. They recall the bold ideas, spontaneous decisions, and creative leaps that led to genuine progress. Your team may not remember every document you submitted or every meeting you attended, but they will remember the bold move that shifted the course of a project or unlocked a new path and brought thrill into their lives.
Conclusion: Be bold in the moment
In a world driven by structure, long-term plans, and polished perfection, there is something deeply empowering about acting boldly, even if just for a moment.
The one-night stand mindset is not about chaos or carelessness. It is about showing up with courage, experimenting quickly, and staying present. It invites you to step away from perfection and take action when inspiration strikes, even if you don't have all the answers yet.
So the next time you feel the spark of an idea, don't wait. Trust your gut. Take the leap. Give that idea one unforgettable night. If this perspective resonates with you, consider exploring my previous articles. There's more than one "one-night" thrilling article from where this came from.
Read more from Sheun David Onamusi
Sheun David Onamusi, Healthcare Collaborator, Entrepreneur, Mind Coach
Sheun David Onamusi is a thought leader in how the mind influences success in business and life. Graduating from his first degree with a lower second class, he struggled with imposter syndrome which led to a life changing experience in 2021. He has since dedicated his life to collaborating and helping others find purpose and relentlessly seek to change one life at a time. His mission: Shape life through words & actions.
