I try to push ideas away, and the ones that will not leave me alone are the ones that ultimately end up happening.

Abrams describes a practical test for creative ideas: he doesn’t immediately chase every concept, but instead resists them to see which persist. The ideas that “won’t leave” are framed as having an inner necessity—either because they are emotionally compelling, structurally rich, or aligned with his long-term interests. In this view, creativity is less about forcing inspiration and more about recognizing what repeatedly demands attention. The quote also hints at discipline: by pushing ideas away, he filters out passing enthusiasms and commits to projects that have proven staying power in his imagination.