Monday Morning Boost: A Journey of Innovation Through the Henry Ford Greenfield Village
Elisa and I enjoyed a Journey of Innovation through the historic Henry Ford Greenfield Village. This open-air experience, nestled in Dearborn, Michigan, near Motor City Detroit, promised to take us on a captivating journey through time, showcasing the spirit of innovation that defined both Henry Ford and Thomas Edison.
“I am collecting the history of our people,” Henry Ford wrote, “as written into things their hands made and used …. When we are through, we shall have reproduced American life as lived, and that, I think, is the best way of preserving at least a part of our history and tradition…”
Little did we know that this visit would not only inspire us but also teach us invaluable life lessons about finding remedies, believing in ourselves, and the power of collaboration.
DON’T FIND FAULT, FIND A REMEDY
As we strolled through the village, we admire the impressive exhibits and intricate details of the restored buildings. This focus from Henry Ford resonated deeply with us as we marveled at the innovative solutions Ford implemented in his factories and everyday life.
“Don’t find fault, find a remedy: anyone can complain.”
Ford’s mindset was to seek solutions rather than dwell on problems. From the assembly line revolutionizing the automobile industry to his innovative use of soybeans, Ford’s relentless pursuit of remedies showcased his exceptional ability to think beyond the ordinary. We experienced one of those remedies when we took a ride around the Greenfield Village in an original Model T.
This philosophy is directly connected with our core focus this year to “Intentionally Create Solutions” rather than dwelling on the problems and challenges.
THE POWER OF BELIEF
While exploring the village, we were impressed with the abundant tribute to the philosophy and inventions of Thomas Alvin Edison. His unwavering belief in his abilities was evident in his numerous inventions and scientific breakthroughs.
“I never did anything by accident, nor did any of my inventions come by accident; they came by work.”
Walking through the Menlo Park Laboratory, a scaled replica of the original laboratory in New Jersey, we were immersed in the atmosphere that sparked Edison’s creativity. From the phonograph to the electric light bulb, none of his achievements were accidents; they were the result of his hard work and unwavering conviction in his own abilities. This realization encouraged us to believe in ourselves, to dream big, and to persevere in the face of adversity.
COLLABORATION & PROGRESS
As we continued our journey, we encountered numerous exhibits that showcased the collaborative efforts of Ford and Edison. Their friendship and shared passion for innovation laid the foundation for remarkable progress. Reflecting on Ford’s words, we witnessed the immense power of collaboration and teamwork.
“Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is progress.”
The Ford and Edison friendship inspired us to embrace collaboration in our own lives. We realized that when we unite our skills and ideas with others, we can achieve far more than we ever could alone. The village, with its various exhibits and reenactments, served as a reminder that collaboration is not just about sharing resources but also about fostering an environment of trust, respect, and open communication.
CREATING THE CONNECTION
Our visit to the Henry Ford Greenfield Village proved to be more than just a tourist excursion. It immersed us in the legacies of the remarkable leadership of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. I sum up their impact on the world through their visionary ideas and unyielding determination in this simple Power of Three focus:
❤️Focus on creating remedies rather than finding faults.
❤️Intentionally believe in yourself.
❤️Embrace the power of collaboration.
As we left the village, we carried with us a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to apply these invaluable life lessons in our own lives. The spirit of innovation and collaboration that permeated the air at the Henry Ford Greenfield Village will forever inspire us to strive for greatness, just as Ford and Edison did in their respective fields.
Thanks for letting me share.
Have a beautiful Monday! I love you, friends!
Les
p.s. Take 13 minutes today to focus on creating remedies rather than finding faults.
