“The bad news is you’ve got a problem. The good news is that we have the solution.”
When you read that, what do you focus on? Do you focus on the first half of the quote with the words “bad” and “problem” or do you focus on the second half of the quote with “good” and “solution”? Be honest with yourself, I won’t judge.
I’m asking because I want all you aspiring entrepreneurs and innovation artists out there to think about what it takes to dream big and make a dent in this world. I’m guessing you know the answer. It takes a solution mindset. A mindset driven to find the opportunity and explore possibilities. A mindset that won’t settle for anything but that super crazy, out of your mind solution.
Step into the shoes of the great innovators of our time. When Steve Jobs went to PARC (Palo Alto Research Center) and saw the clunky, hard to use computer in their lab do you think he saw a challenge or a big opportunity? That’s right, he saw a gigantic opportunity and he went for it.
How about Ann Cooper – the reengage lunch lady. When she decided to go on a mission to make school lunches healthy do you think she saw the uphill battle of changing a bureaucratic system or an opportunity to completely transform the food experience for children and their communities? Given that she has approximately 48 schools implementing her food programs I’m going with the opportunity. PSS – she will be appearing on imagi-NATION so stay tuned.
When JK Rowling found the announcement for the writing contest do you think she saw a problem (lack of time and money) or an opportunity to elevate herself? I think she elevated herself and the world to a whole new level with Harry Potter. PS – did you know that on the first cover of Harry Potter her full name appears but the publishers were concerned that boys wouldn’t buy a book by Joanna Rowling so they asked her to use initials?
What about the Life Is Good founders, Bert Jacobs and John Jacobs–when selling t-shirts out of the back of a van in an effort to get their message out into the world? You know where this story goes.
What about SAME café –where anyone can get a decent meal regardless of your ability to pay. I’ll let you answer that one.
There are examples everywhere of ordinary people who chose to see the solution. Make sure you are focusing in the right place. Your focus will guide your actions.
