The Wright Brothers Mindset

Have you ever started a project that didn't go as planned? Did it totally fail and ruin all hopes of progression?

If so, there is no need to worry. All you have to do is follow the Wright Brothers Mindset. In the business world or for any careers in general, this mindset is crucial to obtain, as it allows for great success and progression.

While the idea of flying back in the late 1800s- early 1900s seemed impossible, two brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, proved that anything is achievable with a little hard work and dedication.

To have a mindset like these two gentlemen, there are five key points to remember and practice on a daily basis; at home, and in the workplace:

• 1) They Faced Hardships Like Everyone Else

Many of their creations and prototypes did not work out. At one point during their journey, the attempt of flying was not working as they planned. Their emotions and spirits lowered greatly, especially Wilbur's. Data and calculations that the brothers relied on tremendously about the mechanics of flying was proved to be invalid. This too can happen at any point in a persons life now a days. With referencing business and accounting, if you incorrectly enter a number and mess up the entire equation, formula, or calculation, is that going to refrain you from retracing your steps and finding the error? Hopefully not. This moves me to my next point.

• 2) It Is All About The Attitude

Attitudes are important. They play a key role in any career as to whether you will be successful or not. As mentioned before, the Wright brothers failed numerous times in their experiments. Nevertheless, they came to the conclusion that sitting around and moping about their failures was only the easy way to deal with a problem; however, it was not getting them any closer to the actual solution. With having this sudden realization, the brothers became more hopeful and determined as ever to move forward. In the career that you choose, having a negative attitude will never help solve a problem. If anything, it will worsen it more. To provide an example, working in customer service can be difficult; however, maintaining a friendly and helpful attitude is always necessary. While it may be difficult, it will resolve the problem quicker and more efficiently.

• 3) Try To Observe and Learn From Your Prototypes

With any project, one cannot simply study the experiment minimally and really expect to succeed. One must go through many sessions of trial and error with the hope of learning where past mistakes were made. There is always room for improvements and no creation is perfect. The Wright brothers built many machines, and when one did not work out, they built another with better and more reputable mechanics. They stated that to truly learn, one must learn all of the tricks by actual trail. This is a very important statement to remember and practice with further testing of any project. For an example, if working in a field of engineering, one will constantly be using the process of mathematics and science to design and construct machines, buildings, new devices... etc. Many employers will be seeking for creations that are above and beyond.

• 4) Do Not Be Afraid to Work Hard

The Wright Brothers spent countless hours working on the operation of flying. It was noted that they worked for 5 1/2 hours, 8 hours, 10 hours, or sometimes even until later than midnight to advance more. One of the brothers, Orville, even stated that one night he drank a lot more coffee than usual. As he could not sleep, he was desperate to think of a better system of control to achieve for the wings. Finally, he came up with an idea. In today's society, the business world does not give many breaks. As a member of a firm, you are held accountable at all times and much is expected of the employees in a company. To obtain a reputable position, prove that you are better than the next individual. Put in a couple extra hours of work or really study and practice the next big presentation. Present new and innovative ideas. Also, and maybe most importantly, stand out. In a positive and dedicated manner.

• 5) Be Memorable

The two brothers were greatly remembered for owning their own successful bicycle shop, which funded most of the construction for their flying projects. Orville and Wilbur liked to keep the production and selling of bicycles high, as it paid for their experiments. At many times, the two were offered financial help by others, but politely declined. In my personal opinion, that was a smart move. If you are an entrepreneur, it is important to have credit for all the hard work that you performed, and to be celebrated for it. Decades later, even now into the 2000s, people still remember the two brothers for the ability of them to finance their own operations, which would then soon become a life changing masterpiece.

In conclusion, to be successful and progress in any small or large project started, have the Wright Brothers Mindset. After all, it brought them fame and fortune. Wouldn't you want to be next in line?

Braelynn Kain

Business Administration

Campbell University

The resources for pictures I used: http://sparktriad.com/portfolio-view/strength-in-hardship-god-uses-everything-for-our-good-devotional/

http://www.hrinasia.com/employee-relations/blurring-the-lines-between-business-success-and-positive-attitude-at-work/

https://crogacrossfit.com/the-urge-to-learn/

https://medium.com/@jonmaimon/a-letter-to-neil-patel-in-response-to-hustle-6bb579e6080c

https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/wright-brothers-332463-2016-08-08

http://canacopegdl.com/synonym/memorable.html

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/galwayes/newsletter/foodforthought.aspx