We are all inventors in minor things. The one who would improve a thing must realize its present qualities and its possibilities; must recognize that the possibility of perfection outweighs the probability of imperfection.

We do not, for example, believe that violin strings have been made to create horrible discord, although the probability of discord is far greater than that of harmony, and for one who can play the violin, there are thousands who cannot.

To get an idea, observation is the first requisite, analysis the second, faith the third. Without observation, the need or opportunity would not be recognized. Without analysis, the method would not be devised. Without faith, the impulse would be lacking. The successful effort, then, combines a physical, a mental and a spiritual activity—in other words, a union of all our available powers directed toward a single goal.

Perhaps this sounds harder than it is. How does one create in nature? One plants a seed. One allows it to germinate.

Surely that is a simple pattern. But it involves the same three points Observation.

You see a need or a chance to grow a certain thing. Analysis. You do not plant a grapefruit seed to grow a beet.

You consider the conditions and other factors. Faith. If you did not expect a grapefruit plant to grow from a grapefruit seed, you wouldn't bother in the first place. We must keep a sense of direction toward our goal.

A traveler in Rome asked someone, "If I go straight from here, how far is it to the Vatican?" "Well," was the reply, "if you keep straight on the way you are going, it is nearly 25,000 miles, but if you turn around and walk the other way, it is about a mile and a half."
Continued from ....How to Get IDEAS by Estelle H. Ries
Idea People Win