I recently asked my husband what drives him, and his answer was simple yet profound: “Thinking about the outcome.”’ It got me pondering the remarkable journey of inventors who invest years in their creations before witnessing them come to life. Few of us can endure such a long journey. But I believe these visionaries hold a key that unlocks achievement – they visualize the outcome and then fervently act upon it. Whether you consider yourself an inventor, the essence remains: cultivate a vision and follow it with action. Who knows? You might end up changing the world, just as Mary Elizabeth Anderson did.

If this name doesn’t ring a bell, you’re not alone. But let’s embark on a journey through my time machine back to the bustling streets of New York City in 1903. Here, an astute traveler named Mary Anderson noticed something inconvenient and potentially hazardous. Streetcar drivers, navigating the city in all kinds of weather, had to stop frequently to clear their windshields, obstructed by rain, snow, or sleet.

Inspired by her innovative spirit, Mary took matters into her own hands. Returning to her home in Alabama, she sketched a simple yet brilliant diagram for an invention – a wiper blade for windshields. Her concept featured a manually controlled, lever-operated rubber blade inside the vehicle.

Much like my husband, she fixated on the outcome of her goal and set a plan in motion to turn it into reality. Collaborating with a local company, she refined a prototype until it operated flawlessly. Finally, in 1905, she received a patent for her ingenious windshield wiper device.

What vision are you holding in your mind, and what’s preventing you from bringing it to life? Allow me to share some valuable lessons from Mary Anderson’s story:

1.   Be Bold, Be the First: Don’t be deterred by the fact that something has never been done before. Embrace the opportunity to be a trailblazer. Mary identified a need (poor visibility while driving in the rain) and developed a revolutionary solution. Apply this to your goals – pinpoint a problem and devise a unique solution.

2.   Persistent Wiping: Expect obstacles and setbacks on your journey, much like the windshield wiper that doesn’t give up after a single swipe. Keep “wiping” them away with determination and resilience. Mary’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of persistence. Even though she never found a company willing to invest in her invention, her unwavering determination ultimately led to her recognition in the National Inventors Hall of Fame. 

3.   Clarity and Focus: Just as the windshield wiper enhances visibility and allows you to see the road clearly, your goals should provide a clear path to success. Mary’s invention improved our visibility. Let this inspire you to seek clarity in your vision for the goals you wish to achieve.

So, as you embark on your journey to achieve your dreams in the year ahead and beyond, remember that your vision is your guiding light. With determination and innovation, you can bring your goals to life and change the world in your own unique way. Get in motion and let your vision lead you to success.

Postscript: In 2011, Mary Anderson was rightfully inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame and received full credit for her groundbreaking windshield wiper invention.