From Underestimated to Iconic: The Journey of a Resilient Inventor

Thomas Edison's journey to becoming an iconic inventor was riddled with challenges and underestimation, painting a vivid picture of resilience and tenacity. Born into a modest family, Edison faced learning difficulties early on, making his school deem him unteachable. His mother, however, believed in his potential and homeschooled him, fostering his curiosity and love for learning.

Numerous setbacks marked Edison’s early career. He was fired from his first two jobs for not being sufficiently productive. However, these rejections didn't deter him; instead, they fueled his desire to innovate. He began working as a telegraph operator, where he developed his skills in electronic communication, laying the groundwork for future inventions.

Financial hardship was another significant hurdle. Edison's early inventions, like the electric vote recorder, were commercial failures. Investors were skeptical, and funds were scarce. But Edison's response to failure was remarkable. He once said, "Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." This perseverance led to the invention of the phonograph, which brought him fame and financial stability.

His most significant challenge was the development of a practical and affordable electric light bulb. This task involved countless experiments with different filaments and materials, facing both technical and financial obstacles. Despite the skepticism of his peers and the public, Edison persisted. His eventual success in creating a long-lasting, practical light bulb revolutionized the world.

His story exemplifies how perseverance and a positive and resilient mindset can transform challenges into... achievements.

The best times in our careers can be the hardest, and the time before we launch can be the time when we doubt ourselves the most. If we look inside ourselves or take the time to get to know ourselves, we may find the capability and the confidence to keep moving forward.

I had a conversation with Betsy Ziegler, CEO of 1871, the world's #1 ranked private incubator. She has had to dig deep inside to overcome obstacles and come from many successes, from being a McKinsey partner to where she leads now as a global brand of entrepreneurship. Watch the full episode of Underdog Untold, a show where I interview successful people who will share their adversity in an open conversation.

The way we manage stress is what we can all focus on today. A few ways to get started today and continue into 2024.

1. Mindfulness: Spend a few minutes each day to center your thoughts. We should be alone and away from our devices.
2. Exercise: Engage in activities like yoga or walking to release stress-reducing endorphins. Nature is rich in energy as a reminder!
3. Healthy Eating: Maintain a balanced diet for physical and mental well-being. Don't forget to look at the ingredients in what you eat!
4. Time Management: Prioritize tasks and take breaks to manage work stress effectively. Writing down the tasks can be very helpful.
5. Open Sharing: Talk about your challenges with others for support and understanding. It is therapeutic to not keep it inside and for someone to listen.

Once in a while, I try to write notes to my girls for lunch. They say they keep them all and sometimes discuss them with their friends. I have seen some of these notes on their dressers or desks... but the toys and expensive items we have bought are nowhere to be found. I was initially surprised but now I know the power of a note.

Today, write a handwritten note for someone in your life. This can be a family member, a friend, or someone at work who could use this small act of kindness.