There Is No Substitute For Hard Work!

Two industry titans became good friends near the turn of the 20th century. One was an older gentleman who had failed 10,000 times at creating a longer-lasting light bulb. The other one was a younger man who was tired of the sting of criticism and failure, but would eventually change the world with his assembly line and Model T.

Thomas Edison, the older gentleman felt Henry Ford's pain. After all if anybody should know about criticism and failure it would be Thomas Edison. Thus, Edison was the perfect role model and mentor for Ford.

Edison taught Ford that you only fail when you give up. He explained to Ford that his own 10,000 attempts at creating a better light bulb were not really 10,000 failures, but rather 10,000 ways to create a better light bulb that did not work. And each way that did not work brought him that much closer to what would work. From this experience Edison learned that genius truly is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration. Basically, success comes from hard work! Are you ready to sweat some?

The world is a better place now that Thomas Edison and Henry Ford worked hard and did not give up when they were down and out, being heavily criticized, and pursued by the bill collectors. Edison's light bulb and innovative and vast system of electricity, as well as Ford's world-changing assembly line and automobiles helped launch the United States into an industrial world powerhouse thus creating jobs and the world's largest middle class, the backbone of the United States greatness.

In addition, I think we all need to also be thankful that Mr. Edison saw the potential in the young Henry Ford and would not let him quit when things were going wrong. Remember, we all need mentors... Even the great ones...

Now teens and even tweens, go learn, lead and lay the way to a better world for all of us. Remember, nothing replaces hard work! So, keep your chin up and keep finding ways to get closer to your goals. In addition, keep your eyes open for someone else who may need help. Encourage him or her not to quit. Maybe your kind words and encouragement could help that person evolve into one of our next great Americans. And once again, thanks for all that you do, and all that you will do.