Telephones are useless

Characteristic number seven in my series on common traits among successful individuals focuses on a champion’s ability to tap into “unlimited” thinking.

Just as there are no limits as to how high one can count, there are no limits to possibilities that are available to us.  The great ones understand that limitations are only externally (or internally) applied.  In simple terms, the great ones know that the only limitations one faces are the limitations one places on one’s own self.  The problem is, most people have been “programmed” their entire lives that limitations exist, so it’s tough to “reprogram” our brains to think beyond the limitations we once believed to be in place.

Our brains are just like computers – they respond to the programs we apply.  If you enter a specific program into a computer, it will respond by carrying out the commands of the program.  The brain works the same way – if we program our brains to accept certain limitations or “stop points,” then our brains will respond by accepting those limitations and prevent us from progressing any further.

It’s time to tap into the limitless possibilities!  If your brain can imagine it, then theoretically it’s possible.  Just because things seem impossible now doesn’t mean that it’s true.  Who would have dreamed of the internet thirty years ago?  Who would have imagined social networking ten years ago?  Who would have envisioned computers two hundred years ago?  How about cell phones?  How about a computer that you can hold in your hand?  Impossible?  It is impossible…Only if you believe it to be.

Here are some quotes to remind you how absurd limited thinking looks in retrospect:

“This ‘telephone’ has too many shortcomings to be
seriously considered as a means of communication. 
The device is inherently of no value to us.”
~Western Union internal memo, 1876

“Everything that can be invented has been invented.” ~Charles H. Duell, Commissioner, U.S. Office of Patents, 1899

“Stocks have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau.” ~Irving Fisher, Professor of Economics, Yale University, 1929

“Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible.” ~Lord Kelvin, President, Royal Society, 1895

“I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.” ~Thomas Watson, Chairman of IBM, 1943

Dare to think outside the box.  I challenge you to open your mind to possibilities you never thought possible.  Join the ranks of the great, and understand that there are absolutely no limitations!

Unlimited power!  Unlimited possibilities!

Best wishes!

-Victor