Cup of Inspiration

Today, August 30th, is Slinky Day. The slinky is such a simple toy but is captivating to watch it walk down the stairs. Chances are you had one growing up. The simplicity is what makes it so fascinating. No screens, no lights, just the monotonous sound of metal as it makes it way down the stairs.

Richard T. James didn’t set out to invent a new toy in 1943. During the course of his work as a naval mechanical engineer, he watched the way a spring seemed to “step” off a shelf. He began to experiment with the idea of a metallic spring that could entertain by walking. He and his wife Betty persisted in selling the idea to toy stores until they finally succeeded in getting a demonstration lined up at Gimbels Department Store in 1945. The customers loved it. The business would then take off.

You never know what will be that one event that can drastically change your life. Perhaps during the course of your day, you may come up with an idea of improving a certain process at work. While using a product, you may think of a better design or a different use for it. If you find yourself with such an idea, don’t limit yourself. You don’t have to have a PhD to be an inventor. You don’t have to have a long list of college degrees to perfect a process. Your idea may be the next big thing. Even if it isn’t but can make the day go by easier for you and those around you, it’s worth pursuing.

Don’t let self-doubt stop you from pursuing a good idea. Richard James wasn’t a famous celebrity when he invented the Slinky. He was just someone who recognized a fun idea for entertainment and kept at it. Your ideas may or may not make you rich, but you’ll never know where an idea can lead until you give it a try.