It has been said that in order to earn money all one has to do is build a better mousetrap. That expression simply means that what someone needs to do is take an ordinary, everyday object and improve it a little. The change need not be substantial, but only enough to be able say that it has been improved. The object in question already has a place in the market, so making an improvement to it ensures that it will have sales appeal. The object could be a mousetrap, or it could be something else.
The Everyday Success of a Mousetrap
Let’s take the example of a mousetrap. A mousetrap it is a spring-loaded mechanism geared to killing a troublesome mouse in someone’s house. It is a fairly simple tool, but it has a specific purpose. The person who originally invented it probably patented the design and made a fortune on selling the product. Rest assured that over time there have been a great many troublesome mice, and a great many dollars have been spent trying to kill them.
Inspiration for Change
If one really looks at that mousetrap, the thought may have come up that it isn’t a difficult idea to come up with. Now inspiration is needed to come up with a similar product, perhaps just a little different, that garners the same result.
For example, what if the mousetrap was made a bit bigger and used stronger spring mechanism? Perhaps then a possum that may be lurking in someone’s yard could be killed. What if the mousetrap used electrified wire and killed the mouse with electricity instead of chopping its little head as is often the case with a conventional mousetrap (which would perhaps be a bit more humane)?
What if the idea was really expanded and a box was created that lured the mouse inside and trapped it, until it could be humanely released somewhere in a woodsy field? If the idea was perfected and a patent applied for, then a better mousetrap would be created and on its way to making someone a fortune.
Imagination Leading to Success and Achievement
All of the above is presented to show how an everyday object, together with a little imagination, has no limits. Before now the thought that the ordinary mousetrap could not be improved upon or that everything worthwhile has already been invented is probably foremost in everyone’s mind. This article is to show that anything, with a little foresight or imagination, can be carried to other heights.
If imagination is used there are no limits in what can be achieved. If there are limitations, imagine where someone can go. Surely someone could be on their way to making that fortune. Think. And use those thoughts for the springboard for success and achievement.
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