Call Me Thomas
Stories have been told about Thomas Alva Edison and his ‘Persistence’ in regard to pursuing the invention of the light bulb. Stories of other greats who have traveled the same road to discovery have inspired many of us.
In some ways I feel honored when I identify with the greats, as I stumble down my own pathway toward invention. Most times I find myself wishing that there were an easier way of achieving things, but the satisfaction seems to be greater knowing that I had to overcome obstacles in order to finally arrive with a perfect product.
What makes experimentation so difficulty for me and others is impatience. Living as a member of the American culture in 2009 I am overwhelmed by the pushy message of immediate gratification that permeates the loud, in your face, media.
Some folks do their work with the radio playing in the background. I find that for my best results I want the radio off. I even do better when I avoid listening to any news broadcasts for two or more days to clear my palate. A good night’s sleep, a nutritious meal, and a walk along the ocean put me in a space to create.
Sometimes I even make a large poster or two for myself and put them in my line of sight, in my work space. Signs like ‘YES I CAN’ or ‘PERSISTENCE’, along with some positive self-talk, can do the trick for me.
There may have been times when Thomas Edison was a ‘doubting thomas’, but imagine what the world would be like if he had not followed through.
What do you need to follow through on today?