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I had made up my mind to find that for which I was searching even if it required the remainder of my life. After innumerable failures I finally uncovered the principle for which I was searching, and I was astounded at its simplicity. I was still more astounded to discover the principle I had revealed not only beneficial in the construction of a mechanical hearing aid but it served as well as means of sending the sound of the voice over a wire. Another discovery which came out of my investigation was the fact that when a man gives his order to produce a definite result and stands by that order it seems to have the effect of giving him what might be termed a second sight which enables him to see right through ordinary problems. What this power is I cannot say; all I know is that it exists and it becomes available only when a man is in that state of mind in which he knows exactly what he wants and is fully determined not to quit until he finds it.

Alexander Graham Bell#4

InnovationFocusDiscoveryGoalsPerseveranceProblem solving

About this quote

What does it mean?
Persistent focus on a specific goal reveals simple underlying principles that have broad applications. Maintaining a clear order in one's mind provides a kind of insight that solves ordinary problems.
In plain terms
Staying committed to a goal helps you find simple solutions that work in many ways.
What can you take from it?
Clear focus and persistence unlock simple solutions with wide applications.

Where it applies

  • research and development
  • problem solving
  • career goals

Putting it to work

  • define clear objectives
  • trust the process
  • look for simple patterns

Questions to consider

  • What is one goal you are willing to pursue for the rest of your life?
  • How does clarity of thought change your problem solving?

Another view

The quote implies a mystical element to focus that is not scientifically proven.

More from Alexander Graham Bell

  1. There cannot be mental atrophy in any person who continues to observe, to remember what he observes, and to seek answers for his unceasing hows and whys about …

    Permalink to quote #3
  2. Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.

    Permalink to quote #5
  3. The final result of our researches has widened the class of substances sensitive to light vibrations, until we can propound the fact of such sensitiveness bein…

    Permalink to quote #2

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