Bringing You Encouragement from Things “Right Under Your Nose”
The Express Way
Norman Lawson, WD-40, and Perseverance
“Great things come in small packages.”
WD-40 is one of those “great things,” if you're wrestling to free a rusted, corroded nut from a bolt.
If you’re like me, a little blue can of WD-40 is parked on a shelf in the garage, waiting to be used.
I suppose that if I were writing about the product itself, I’d focus on the idea of “loosening up.”
That’s a lesson we all need.
Life is short and, regrettably, is loaded with difficulties.
Gravitating to a milder attitude toward life’s potholes can prevent an avalanche of migraines and ulcers.
But for the next 5 minutes of your time, I want to zoom in on the creator, the inventor of this marvelous item and emphasize a lesson that HE teaches.
His name?
Norman Lawson. I know, he’s not exactly a household name. But familiarizing yourself with this creator will inspire you to never give up on your goals, projects, and dreams.
Let’s get started.
As the entrepreneur of Rocket Chemical Company in the 1950’s, Lawson was approached by a Naval commander to use his mechanical engineering and chemist skills to invent a product to shield U.S. Navy ships from corrosion as they divided the ocean waters. The salt-infested waters ate away at the ship's gears.
The United States Navy came a calling. And Mr. Norman Lawson answered the call.
The 61-year old tried 39 times to develop a solution for the problem.
Each time he failed.
But instead of calling it quits, Norman Lawson tried one more time.
On his 40th attempt he hit paydirt.
Every remarkable invention needs an unforgettable label, so the astute and talented Lawson tagged his product “WD-40.” WD-40 is the abbreviated form of “Water Displacement, 40th Formula.”
Some of the more unusual usages include removing crayon marks from a wall and taking stains out of coffee cups!
Norman Lawson, the inventor of the mystical fluid in the little red can, helped the U.S. Navy to persevere on salty waters.
Today, he gifts a one-word lesson to you and me – “Perseverance.”
Principle
Perseverance always comes before success in life and in the dictionary.
Plan
Do you have a history of starting a project but never finishing it? (The project could be at home, work, or relationships).
Apply these 4 elements to bring about perseverance.
Eyesight – never take your eye off the goal. (Be determined, not distracted)
Energize – put your heart into your relationships, your education, your work, your life. (Be dedicated, not diffused)
Eliminate – eliminate all “noise” that could divert you away from your intended result.
Enforce – take incremental or “baby steps” toward your end goal so that you won’t become overwhelmed in your pursuit.
Positive Approach Going Forward
Unload any inclination in life to quit! Push forward, try again, march ahead, because every step brings you closer to your goal. Refuse to listen to pessimists, who from the sidelines, shout “Quit wasting your time!”
Podcast
Listen to this video about Sam Walton. It illustrates his perseverance in making life better for all.
I'm Howell Bigham, and I'm the writer behind all the posts.
Are you looking for powerful principles to guide you in building strong relationships, enviable work habits, and unbelievable personal growth? Then you're at the right site!
In The Encouragement Express you'll discover awesome principles hidden in objects that you use daily. You'll meet fascinating people from the past who invented these often overlooked creations.
You'll also get a spiritual Vitamin E(ncouragement) for personal growth, motivational quotes from mouths of the past, a word for the week, and motivational music!
If you want positive, life-building stories to kick-start your day, you'll love The Encouragement Express!
Vitamin E(ncouragement)
Here's your weekly spiritual vitamin!
"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
-Galatians 6:2
Motivating Mouths
"Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.”
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Word of the Week
Tenacity - the determination to continue what you are doing.
