When Julie looks through the lens of her camera she is interested in what is in focus and what is out of focus. Sometimes what is in focus is so boring, it's the out of focus which interests her. The question that occupies her mind is: how do I bring that which is out of focus in focus?
The solution, for Julie, the photographer, is in thinking differently. In thinking what if I use this lens. Will the different lens bring what is out of focus in focus? What if I approach the subject from this angle? What if I slow the speed? Each time she uses her knowledge of photography and her camera to build on what is possible. To look outside her box.
Sukekawa is also interested in what is out of focus. She is one of Japan's most successful inventors. But it hasn't always been like that. In fact, she didn't start inventing until she was 57 years old.
Sukekawa was a physical education teacher at a High School in Japan. Then at 57 years of age she suffered from a 'serious medical problem' that could only be treated in Tokyo. So she and her husband decided that in order for her to receive the medical treatment she needed she had to resign from her job and they would both move to Tokyo.
In Tokyo, she was alone and ill, with no family and no friends. To inspire her and keep her spirits up her daughter suggested she join the local amateur inventors club.( Yes they really do have local inventors clubs in Japan)
She went and within a short time found that she was a big hit. She was coming up with many useful inventions. How?
Her system is simple:
"I always come up with something I want for my own use".
She works on the basis that most mass produced domestic items are designed by men, who, invariably, don't use the products. As a result they are poorly designed. Therefore if she has a problem using them so must every other person who buys and uses the product.
She is now a 67 year old grandmother and still inventing because:
"When I spot some inconvenience, I feel lucky because there is fun in overcoming it"
The stories of Julie and Sukekawa are similar. They are both looking for a solution. They are both looking for a different way of overcoming the deficiency they see before them. They are both looking for different ways of achieving the impossible.
When did you last look at an impossible problem and bring into focus the out of focus pieces? Do you use your past knowledge as a platform from which to jump or as a straight jacket to limit your thinking?
What is your process of discovery?
Good Luck
Graham and Julie www.desktop-meditation.com
To improve your intuition, initiative and energy levels. Please go to: http://www.desktop-meditation.com It's free.
Chicago limo Skokie .."Fear Factor" is one of my favorite TV shows. It... Read More
It has been truly said, and history confirms, that the... Read More
If we eat too much at home, the public eventually... Read More
Are you consistently chasing success? Once you achieve it, do... Read More
Often just one self-help principle can increase your power to... Read More
Visualize success, and what you'll do to reward yourself A... Read More
Do you still keep that all important 'Inner Spark Alive'?... Read More
Back from my amazing summer excursion, a month long drive... Read More
If you want to be successful in life, business, or... Read More
We're all adults, and most of us probably like to... Read More
What do we want most from life? Certainly, we all... Read More
Your Head, think about what you want and move towards... Read More
One of the greatest challenges people face when trying to... Read More
Bank account bare? Bedroom barren? Body running on empty? Buddha... Read More
The story that is being used to illustrate the concepts... Read More
When is the best time to prepare for your success... Read More
According to Bill Gates there are 3 keys to success... Read More
Today I was glad that I had bothered to read... Read More
One of the common elements you see in almost all... Read More
1. Believe in yourself and what it is you do.... Read More
Becoming successful is not easy. We all get tossed around... Read More
Does it surprise you that only 400 cokes were sold... Read More
As a speaker and trainer, people often approach me after... Read More
I'll be the first to admit that everyone has his... Read More
I was hired to do some training for a sales... Read More
limo O'Hare Bonfield ..1. Open your mind to new ideas: Positive behavior change... Read More
Ten years ago I went into the studio and recorded... Read More
Have you ever thought about what makes a superstar? What... Read More
Imagine being firmly committed to your deepest ambitions. Imagine feeling... Read More
Our expectations get us into a lot of trouble and... Read More
If we are involved in a project, how hard should... Read More
All too often, we push ourselves past the limits of... Read More
With the long-term trend of protecting employees' individual self esteem... Read More
Choose a personal theme song and soundtrack that stirs you... Read More
I have often been asked the question, "What is true... Read More
Have you ever wondered if there was a way to... Read More
We all know as we are progressing towards our personal... Read More
My life is a bubble; but how much solid cash... Read More
I spoke recently with the owner of a large clothing... Read More
You've tried and failed. You've watched others fall. You're wiped... Read More
Finding balance is deciding to notice what goes on in... Read More
Each human being, who exists above the level of simple... Read More
Congratulations! You are the president of your own nation, and... Read More
One way to become more successful in your life is... Read More
I call the following seven belief lies of success, taking... Read More
Once you've made it...throw a Success Shindig! Of course you... Read More
Today I am going to tell you the #1 secret... Read More
Looking for a way to make this year your best... Read More
Do you want to achieve your most important goals in... Read More
Let me tell you story about a friend of mine... Read More
Success |