To all our highly valued clients and acquaintances:
August is such a great time to put the finishing touches on whatever we can do to crescendo our summer break and especially a great time to refresh, revivify and recharge before we all head full throttle into our various versions of an unyielding perennial back-to-school, back to school mode.
August can feel like a precious, fleeting moment—a final, sun-soaked pause before everyday whitewater-like routines pick up again. For most, August is the unofficial close of summer – a time to squeeze out every drop of seasonal fun and relaxation before the rush of school schedules and the lead-in to the holiday season. Your adventures might include, not limited to:
- Travel and Getaways
- Festivals and Local Events
- Outdoor and Nature Activities
- Lifelong Extracurricular Hobbies
- Whimsical, Spontaneous Whatever.
August Can Be a Time:
- “For The Joy of Simple Pleasures”
- “For One Last Summer Hurrah”
- “For Style & Great Self-Care”
- “To Unplug & Reconnect”
- “To Refresh & Reset”
August can be an opportunity to make great memories, embracing the last stretch of leisure, and forging a smooth path into the busy seasons ahead. We certainly want to encourage us all to have some fun and not feel guilty about it, as it ultimately contributes to long-term happiness and motivation.
We can make it a perfect blend of all things joyful, nostalgic, and reflective.
August can also be a time for innovative perspective and inspiration.
Referring to the Thomas Edison quote above, he has been an inspirational model for extraordinary prolific inventiveness for many people for years.
Edison was widely known as the America’s most prolific inventor, even after his death in 1931. He held a total of 1,093 U.S. patents – the most patented inventor in the 20th Century. He had, as I understand it, over 2000 personal, handwritten journals at the time of his passing – a testament to the innovative power of writing as it relates to constantly re-inventing oneself.
While the light bulb and the control of electricity are incredibly significant inventions with roots in the late 19th century, they are most accurately considered foundational inventions of the 20th century, rather than solely belonging to it. The impact of these inventions truly blossomed in the 20th century, transforming societies and industries. Here’s why:
- Foundation for Further Innovation
- Social and Economic Impact
- Widespread Adoption
- Evolving Technology
The electric light bulb has been called the most important invention since man-made fire. The light bulb helped to establish social order after sundown, extended the workday well into the night, and allowed us to navigate/travel safely in the dark. Without light bulbs, there was no nightlife.
In essence, while the initial breakthroughs occurred in the late 1800s, the full impact of Edison’s work on electricity and the light bulb unfolded and shaped the 20th century, making it a defining achievement of that era.
Edison’s genius wasn’t just in coming up with ideas, but in his dedication to making those ideas practically viable and available to a wider audience.
While the exact number of attempts is still debated, it’s often cited that Edison said, “I haven’t failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
Always Be Innovating. Test, experiment wisely, try this, and try that.
On January 2, 2000, Time Magazine cited that “Thomas Alva Edison never thought of himself as a revolutionary, although he was the most prodigious inventor of his era, his method of progress was most influential invention.
Edison never thought of himself as a revolutionary. He did not care at all about the fame and wealth he earned if he was allowed to get on with his work. He never lost the relentless desire to learn and to do things that animated him as a boy. He remained the most childlike of titans. Once, he was signing a guest book and came to the INTERESTED IN column. Edison wrote, “Everything.” In that light, what do you see is possible now?
What are you learning? What can you learn? What are you curious about? How can you best change and improve your approaches??
One of the characteristics of people considered to be geniuses in history is that they do all their creative thinking and problem solving in writing. This can serve to create powerful compelling visions and goals that drive your persistence. My recent studies of great comedians, actors, producers, sport figures, directors, and leaders show that as a throughline of their resiliency.
As you focus on your most important relationships and priorities, it is often good to consider that you probably have whatever it takes to succeed. As Calvin Coolidge has repeatedly been quoted to say, we can remember that:
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On!’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”
We also have found that people are more likely to have breakthroughs when they laugh. Humor can often help us to engage more with the kind of messages that we may want to hit home better. Watching stand-up comedians, sitcoms, and funny movies on YouTube may serve us well.
So have a few laughs, when you can. Make your life as playful as possible, in the face of whatever, which sometimes can seem downright depressing.
If you want to dig in a little further on strengthening/sharpening your own personalized, written, compelling vision, here is a section from my last book (with written exercises) that may also serve to reboot your year-end finish.
Be Master of Yourself. Take Charge. Focus on What You Can Control.
Live the kind of life that is worthy of you and brings you great joy.
Shall we talk?? Dialogue?? Brainstorm?? Plan?? Partner?? Collaborate??
Here’s To Your Most Fulfilling Joys & Indisputably Unstoppable Successes,
