Principles from Thomas Edison
Edison's 10,000-Watt Secret: Why Failure is the Mother of Invention
Estimated reading time (5 minutes)
Happy Friday, everyone.
On Principles Friday, I share one principle that can help you in your life or business, one thought-provoking question, and one call to action toward that principle.
Principle of the Week
"I am not discouraged, because every attempt discarded is another step forward."— Thomas Edison
Thomas Edison, the prolific inventor known for the light bulb, phonograph, and more, wasn't just innovative; he was relentlessly persistent.
Edison's quest for the perfect light bulb wasn't a smooth, single flip of a switch. It was a marathon of over 10,000 failed attempts, testing materials like bamboo, platinum, and even his own hair! Each "discarded" filament, however, taught him something valuable. He wasn't discouraged; he saw each as a stepping stone to success. Finally, after countless trials, the carbonized bamboo filament glowed, ushering in a new era of illumination.
Edison's relentless pursuit of innovation wasn't confined to his laboratory walls. In 1868, he experienced a setback that could have derailed most inventors: a train crash destroyed his entire chemical laboratory, wiping out years of research and experimentation.
Instead of succumbing to despair, Edison saw an opportunity. He negotiated with the railroad company, convincing them to convert a wrecked baggage car into a mobile laboratory. This "laboratory on wheels" became his new home for experimentation, allowing him to continue his work even while traveling.
This anecdote perfectly embodies Edison's principle: every attempt discarded is another step forward. He didn't view the train crash as a dead end but as a chance to adapt and innovate. This mobile lab symbolized his resourcefulness and determination, leading to breakthroughs in fields like telegraphy and the stock ticker.
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Question to Ponder
Edison famously said, "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration." How much effort are you currently putting into your high-priority activities or goals? Do you feel it is enough to get you where you want to go?
Call to Action
Thomas Edison was persistent, and his wrong decisions did not impede his progress. Like Edison, we all will make wrong decisions in life. However, it is important to look at the consequences and learn from them for better future decisions. Success truly is a result of sound judgment. Good judgment is the result of experience, and experience is the result of bad judgment. When we fail, we ponder. Not Thomas Edison. and So should you. Here is a framework that helps combat discouragement and propel you forward. It is called the GROW model. This widely used coaching framework guides individuals through goal setting, overcoming obstacles, and achieving desired outcomes.
G for Goal:
Identify your goal: What challenges are you currently facing? Is it mastering a new skill, overcoming a fear, or achieving a specific goal? Define it clearly and concisely.
R for Reality:
Acknowledge your current situation: How are you feeling towards this challenge? Are you experiencing discouragement or self-doubt? Be honest with yourself.
Identify the obstacles: What specific factors are hindering your progress? Are they external (e.g., lack of resources, negative feedback) or internal (e.g., fear of failure, perfectionism)?
Evaluate your attempts: Have you tried anything to overcome these obstacles? What were the results? Be objective and focus on learning from past experiences.
O: Options:
Brainstorm solutions: Generate a list of strategies to address the identified obstacles. Be creative and consider different approaches.
Focus on actionable steps: Choose 2-3 concrete and achievable steps immediately. Prioritize based on impact and feasibility.
W: Will:
Commit to action: Choose the option you're most motivated to try and set a deadline for completion.
Visualize success: Imagine yourself achieving your goal and its positive emotions. Tap into this motivation to fuel your actions.
Anticipate challenges: Identify potential setbacks you might encounter and brainstorm ways to overcome them in advance.
Seek support: Consider sharing your goal and progress with a trusted friend, mentor, or community for encouragement and accountability.
Remember, this is a cyclical process. As you progress, revisit each stage of the GROW model to adjust your goal, refine your approach, and stay motivated throughout your journey.
Video of the Week
The Dark Side of Thomas Edison.
If you want to learn more principles, I interview founders on my podcast, The First 100, where they share how they acquired their first 100 paying customers. This week:
Episode 131 - The First 100 with Cobi Blumenfeld-Gantz, the co-founder of Chapter
Episode 130 - The First 100 with Aidan Rushby, the co-founder and CEO of Carmoola
And that’s a wrap for now!
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