What makes an inventor successful?
Take a second to look around. How many objects within reach was one day an abstract idea in someone’s head? Chances are if it’s not organic material, it was a dream of an inventor’s to make, or a collection of many inventions leading to one. Take the computer, smart tablet or phone you’re reading this on. The people who made these things were not just smart, or talented, or even God’s chosen person with the idea hitting like a lightning bolt. Yes, things can start off with a spark, but there are a copious amount of factors that go into making something successful. Here are a list of those attributes and habits that great inventors have in common.
Passionate about inventing
The number one thing that all inventors have in common is their passion. When an inventor is excited about their ideas, they have an internal drive that permeates through the process and the end result. It gives them attention to detail as well as insight into the bigger picture. An inventor eats, sleeps, and breathes their invention idea and process.
Doesn’t fall in love with their ideas
An inventor knows that the first idea that pops into his or her head isn’t always the best one. Falling in love with one singular idea is remnicent of the age old saying “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” There are many problems in this world, but not one solution to solve them. A great inventor knows that the answer is to find the best possible answer. When an inventor hangs onto an idea tooth and nail that they know could be improved or dropped altogether, it can hinder them from creating something great just to hold onto their pride and ego.
Have the right people in your circle
This doesn’t always mean finding people who tell you what you want to hear all the time. Having friends and family is great and all, however, being successful means that you need the right engineers, marketers and designers to create the vision you see in your head. An inventor is rarely all these people in one, and that’s okay! Others are there to help bring their strengths to the table. Use it!
Persistent
It’s easy to be dissuaded when people nay say or outright tell you your idea is stupid. Although it is very necessary to hear people out about their opinions, if you believe in your idea and product, persistence is extremely important. If you don’t believe in the invention, then who will? There have been many inventors in history who’ve had doors shut on their faces who persisted in their search to get it out there and have succeeded. It’s all a matter of being the squeaky wheel until you get that oil.
Hard Working
It’s no joke that inventors have to be super hard working people. Just having an idea isn’t enough, but actually laying down the groundwork, time, and money involved is another thing altogether. Edison made a thousand unsuccessful attempts at making a lightbulb before actually making the one he is famous for still today. He didn’t get that from watching the real housewives eating bon bons!
Empathetic to others needs
An Inventor knows what the consumer needs and wants. If the inventor just looks to the user that the product will affect, they often times don’t see the entire picture. What would a woman think, or how would a minority see and use the product? Often times, others’ needs are overlooked which narrows the market tremendously. Empathy is an important human connection that is required to create a product or service that lasts throughout the ages.
They’re discrete
Shouting your ideas from the rooftops may not be the best idea. Being excited about your idea and trying to gauge other people’s responses are great and all, but sometimes people are a bit sinister. Until you’ve gotten your trademark or patent locked down, inventors are careful about who they reveal what to. Make sure you trust the people around you, and most importantly, the less details, the better!
Unafraid of failure
Amazing inventors and creators aren’t completely devoid of the fear of failure, but they are unattached to an idea once they realize it won’t work. Clinging onto a failing idea is going down with the ship that’s leaking and insisting it can still float. It won’t. It will sink. When it’s time to jump ship, it’s important to realize that there are other boats! Don’t be afraid of failure and know that there are successes if you instill persistence, hard work, and all the other items I’ve mentioned above.
What are some qualities you think inventors need to possess to be a success? List them below!