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A Key, a Kite and a Bolt of Lightning
by Mark Turner on January 18, 2016 in General Information
Written by Mark Turner, President/CEO of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce
As the story is told, June 10, 1752 was one of the most electrifying days in history. That’s the day
Benjamin Franklin decided to “go fly a kite.” Franklin began working on electricity in 1743 after he
heard a lecture about it in Scotland. It wasn’t until he decided to build a kite, attach a key to it and fly it
into some storm clouds that he found his way into the history books for his efforts.
That early brush with the dangers of electricity left an impression on Franklin. He described the
sensation as “a universal blow throughout my whole body from head to foot, which seemed within as
well as without; after which the first thing I took notice of was a violent quick shaking of my body.”
Anyone who has changed a light switch and accidently touched the wrong wire can relate to what
Franklin described.
Depending on what you read, there is debate about whether or not he actually flew a kite in a storm.
Even so, there’s no denying results of his efforts in the area of electricity. Franklin’s experiments on
electricity laid the groundwork for inventions such as batteries, incandescent light bulbs,
electromagnetic fields, generators, transformers and other related items. He was the first scientist to
use the terms positive and negative charge.
Although electricity had been around since the beginning of time, it was Benjamin Franklin who helped
harness its awesome power.
What’s waiting to be harnessed in your life? Is it an idea for a book? Starting a non-profit? Launching a
new product? Turning a hobby into a business? A new business initiative? Higher education? If so,
here are some keys to getting started.
Key 1: Be Prepared
As Benjamin Franklin said, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” Establishing goals and timelines will
help create a strategy and pathway for success. Work to understand what it will feel like to launch that
non-profit, to complete writing a book or to launch out on your own. Counsel with others who may be
able to provide insight, encouragement and accountability. Make developing a plan the priority. Plan
the work and then work the plan.
Key 2: Fear Not
Fear of failure and mistakes is a reality that many people struggle to work through. Fear causes a
sense of paralysis with regard to planning and decision making. Some fear hearing the word “no” from
a funding source, a potential client or publisher and therefore don’t make the call or visit in order to
present their idea. Others fear their venture will not get off the ground or will suffer setbacks along the
way. Benjamin Franklin was quoted as having said, “Do not fear mistakes. You will know failure.
Continue to reach out.”
Key 3: Stop Procrastinating
Benjamin Franklin said, “You may delay but time will not and lost time is time never found again.” Lack
of knowledge, insufficient experience and skills deficit can cause one to delay starting a project or
working toward a goal. As a result, procrastinating can seem to be a better alternative to highlighting
personal inadequacies for others to see. Come to terms with areas where there’s lack of
understanding, experience and know-how. When one is willing to identify what the problems are, a
better plan can be developed to overcome shortcomings. Stay focused on how it will feel to achieve
the goal and let that be the motivation to prevail over procrastination and triumph over trials.
Key 4: Realize It is Not Too Late to Get Started
For many, the thought is that it’s too late to venture out into something new and therefore never
pursue the dreams they once had. They go through life lacking fulfillment and living with
disappointment. Franklin once said, “Many people die at twenty five and aren’t buried until they’re
seventy five.” Just because there was a delay somewhere along the line doesn’t mean the dream or
goal should be abandoned. Live life to the fullest and pursue your dreams with all you have.
Let 2016 be the year you harness the power and unleash the potential.
Article written by Mark Turner, President/CEO of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce
About Mark Turner
View all posts by Mark Turner →
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