In the late 1800’s, workers at Proctor and Gamble making batches of a high quality white soap left for their lunch break, but forgot to turn off the mixing machine. So much air was blended into the soap that it couldn’t sink to the bottom of the basin, like all the other bars on the market. The company realized it had something, and started marketing the ‘mistake’ as, “Ivory soap — so pure, it floats.” The soap became an instant success.
Nearly a century later, a scientist at the 3M corporation was trying to create an extremely strong and durable adhesive for use in airplane construction. He failed, and ended up with a ‘low-tack’ substance. He appealed to colleagues to think of other possible applications. A few years later, a fellow scientist wondered if the ‘mistake’ glue could keep bookmarks from fluttering out of his hymnal during church services. He borrowed some yellow scrap paper from the lab next door, applied the defective adhesive, and created what was to become one of the most in-demand office products ever – the Post-it note.
“You can’t solve a problem with the same mind that created it,” said Albert Einstein. When something turns out differently than you first envisioned it, you could choose to see it as a mistake, or you could step back, look at the bigger picture, and come up with completely new and positive ways to make it work.
There are many ways to cultivate a more adventurous and open way to viewing not only failures, but every aspect of your personal, professional and spiritual life.
- Pray/Meditate . Prayer is asking for divine guidance. Meditation is listening for the answer. Go into a relaxed state of mindful receptivity, breathe deeply to enter into Alpha, and be open to any answers that may gently float into your awareness.
- Ask others for their input . Frequently, we’re too close to a situation to be able to look at it from a different perspective. Asking family, friends or colleagues for their take frequently brings a completely new solution to light.
- Go outside and play . Taking a break in nature is a tried and true way to relax, recharge, and rejuvenate. It’s amazing how many smart new ideas are generated by a walk in the park.
- Sleep on it . Salvador Dali, the master of surrealism, would place a plate upside down on the floor to the right of his easy chair. He’d hold a heavy key in his right hand, and let himself drift off. As he fell asleep, his right hand relaxed, the key hit the plate with a loud clang, and he’d jolt awake with brand new ideas of what to create next. Give it a try!
- Listen to music . Science is churning out study after study of how music impacts brain function. Depending on whether you’re listening to gentle meditation music or heavy metal anthems, tunes can pump you up, calm you down, and activate completely different parts of your brain. It’s a harmonious way to empower you with completely different ways to look at the challenge.
With a little practice, an open mind can become your key to discovering an exciting, positive and practical new way to live your life.
Open your mind to positive, powerful and lasting changes when you embark on a life-affirming visit to the Optimum Health Institute in San Diego or Austin, Texas. Our caring team can help you achieve your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual goals for optimal health. Visit our website at www.optimumhealth.org , and call us at (800) 993-4325 to make your reservation.
