The List

Success.

In 1888 Thomas Edison wrote a list of things to do that in all honesty, makes him seem like a total whack job. In addition to his normal routine of invention and innovation of electricity and light bulbs, Edison's list of things to do includes, ink for the blind, artificial silk, and an electric piano. Read in one light it is the rantings of a madman, in another light, it shows us that Edison had passion, creativity, and drive. It underscores the need to dream big, challenge ourselves, and investigate the edges of our talents in order to truly become successful. Success is not about making safe choices, fitting in or working within our comfort zones but about being different, dynamic, and excited about the possibilities, all the possibilities. The only confirmed path to failure is inaction. Do it right or do it wrong, but do something.

The List:

http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/06/01/thomas-edison-to-do-list-1888/

Picture:

http://www.philhill.net/3-steps-thomas-edison-used-to-start-over-100-companies/

The Things They Never Tell You

Harsh Reality

Live.

A list of things to know before setting out into the world:

Anything valuable requires hard work.

If you are not willing to work hard someone else will be.

There is a big difference between the things you want and the things you need.

No one thinks about you as much as you do.

Few things are fair.

You will always have more to learn and will do much of that the hard way.

Unexpected and tragic things are inevitable; you will not be able to plan for them.

Most successes are built on the backs of failures.

You cannot make everyone like you, or even be pleased with you.

You will not be the same person in ten years that you are today.

You will be offered transformative experiences, but will not be able to predict in what way they will transform you.

You only get to do this once.

Other great lists of life lessons:

http://www.marcandangel.com/2011/04/11/16-harsh-truths-that-make-us-stronger/

http://balletpages.blogspot.com/2011/10/15-truths-about-being-professional.html

  Photograph Courtesy of:

http://photosofbiblicalexplanations2.blogspot.com/2011/05/removing-veil.html