Keys to Success
1. PASSION
Every inventor and creator must have a passion for their work. This is what fuels us through the total process. It’s found in the vision of the future in every inventor and creator. Our ambition is generated from that same passion and that ambition must have focus. That focus must have a precise direction. That direction is monitored and maintained by the second Key to Success~Goal Setting.
2. Setting Short Term and Long Term Goals
Your vision of the future is the outcome of your plan. Getting there will take time, focus, preparation, perseverance, and courage. The first step toward putting your plan into motion is to set goals. Short Term goals should be thought out and written down. They should be monthly and/or quarterly goals. This will allow you the opportunity to see where you are in comparison to the time schedule of accomplishing your plan. Each and every small step, because it’s been written, may then be visualized as forward momentum. Many initial steps (or goals) may take fairly long periods of time to accomplish, but that’s okay. Set the goals, meet the goals and continue moving forward to accomplishing your plan ~ make a plan and work the plan. Long Term goals can overlap quarterly goals to yearly goals. Goal setting will allow you to actually see how far you have come, what you need to do next and where you are compared to finalizing your plan at every stage of the journey.
Write them down! Revert back to them quarterly, at a minimum! Keep your eye on the ball and accomplish your American Dream!
3. You must welcome the risks.
Every inventor and creator must welcome the risks- because they exist. Taking on a creative endeavor will create risks on many levels. This includes, but is certainly not limited to, friends, family, financial, personal, physical, emotional and psychological risks. The invention process can, and probably will, take its toll on you and the ones around you. But, by knowing that this is a normal part of the process ahead of time, coupled with a strong faith in your project, you’ll be able to stay on course without getting discouraged. All great inventors had their first invention, and chances are, dealt with many of the same issues as well. So, don’t feel like the Lone Ranger. It is part of what’s called “paying your dues” to becoming one the great of the world.
4. Courage and Perseverance and Persistence
There will be people throughout the journey telling you that you’re crazy, you’re never going to make it, or that your creation or invention will never sell. The root of that mentality is either ignorance, jealousy or both. You will encounter a lot of that naive mentality. You will find yourself at times wanting to give up, doubting yourself and your efforts, and financially wondering how you are going to make it happen. Everybody is your friend when you’re on top~ but climbing that ladder, wobble as it may, is what makes the whole process great. Not the money. Don’t get me wrong, the money will be nice but the process is what makes you better, what makes you great. No matter the level of your successes, or your failures, you are doing what has made this great country just that, great. You’re making this world a better place than it was before you. That’s what makes the invention process worth it, no matter the cost. And always remember, you can only learn from your failures in life. Struggles and failures build the character and resourcefulness that makes you a better, more effective individual and entrepreneur. You can only enjoy your successes.
5. Discipline
Discipline, or lack thereof, is what will make you or break you. Discipline is an attribute and a mindset that is essential to your success. It will take discipline to set and follow your short term and long term goals. It will take discipline to key your “eye on the ball”, on the outcome that you are seeking. It will take discipline to stay focused and not let yourself or the naysayers pull you down. It will take discipline and courage to face all the risks associated with becoming and being a creator. Are you willing to face all the obstacles to make your creation a reality? Do you have the discipline required to make it happen?
6. Contacts
Utilize them. Use your family, friends and business contacts to help you with areas of your project that you need assistance. Ask them if they have friends and/or associates in areas that you need assistance. Surround yourself with others like yourself. Join Invention associations and attend conventions that cater to areas of need relevant to your creation and/or invention. Nobody knows it all. We all need assistance, at various levels, in everyday life and this is especially true in the creation and invention process. Do not be afraid to reach out for help and search out assistance along the way. Surround yourself with positive attitudes and proactive individuals that understand you and what you’re striving to accomplish. Those few words of support and understanding, along with the help and guidance you receive along your journey will be so greatly appreciated. Those are the small debts that can never be repaid and are never to be forgotten by the creator and/or inventor that has realized his success.
7. Keep your Sense of Humor
The creation and invention process is a long one. Things don’t always work out the way you may have wanted or expected them to. But, keep your sense of humor. You are a special individual. Your creation and/or invention make you special. You have been given a gift and you’ve chosen to follow your heart. Follow your passion, roll with the punches that come your way, have the courage and perseverance to overcome challenges that you fear may be too tough to bear, and always remember that you are unique and that you’ve been given the gift of creativity which lives in your passion to help make this world a better place.