"If we did all of the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves." That's a quote by Thomas Edison. Among other notable feats, he has a town named after him in New Jersey. His main competitor, Nicola Tesla, who in my opinion was much more brilliant, only has a car named after him. And most people don't even realize it! So what did Nicola Tesla invent? Alternating current, X-rays, remote control, radio, the electric motor, lasers, fluorescent bulbs, and wireless communications to name a few! Death rays and free energy as well, if you believe the rumors.
Well, although the quote was by Edison, it sounds like he was talking about his main rival Tesla! As it turns out, Edison became a household word and he became very rich in the process, while Tesla astounded everybody, but died penniless. Go figure! Still, I think Edison's quote is largely correct. When we put effort into our actions we can astound ourselves. The problem is nearly all people I know are not certain about what they are capable of, and don't have the drive to find out. That's a poor combination since it almost guarantees that you will go through life as an underachiever. Do you want to achieve your full capabilities? If so, then you have to create an opportunity to exceed. This is actually easier than it sounds. Think of something that you have wanted to do, but didn't think you could. Now, make a plan to take steps towards achieving it. Make each step small and easy to achieve. In other words make each step small enough so that you know you can do it. For instance, if I wanted to paint my house, the first step I would take is to make a list of everything I would need. Next I would save up the money I needed to buy those supplies. After doing that, I would choose the colors I want the paints to be. Then I would go out and buy the supplies...etc. etc. In other words, I would make each step small enough so that I knew I could accomplish them eventually. Maybe I would make the steps even smaller...such as buying the supplies necessary to paint one room. It all really depends on me. None of the steps should be so daunting that I find the project will be too daunting. Although my long-term goal is to paint the house, if that thought is overwhelming to me, then I need to focus on a smaller job at hand that will eventually LEAD to my larger goal. Bring your focus down to a smaller and smaller level until you know you can accomplish the goal that is set out before you. Then just focus on accomplishing that one goal. As you fulfill one small goal after another, you will be moving closer and closer to your larger goal. While we all might not be able to paint a masterpiece, we are all capable of a simple brushstroke. And isn't that what a masterpiece is? A series of interconnected brushstrokes? How bad do you want the outcome? How patient are you? Do you have what it takes? I think you do. You just need to plan for incremental advancement. If you are not sure what you are capable of, then make plans that allow you to break down the tasks necessary to points where you are capable of completing them. And by doing that, you will reach your full capabilities! Remember, every day is an opportunity to astound yourself!
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