Focus

The American story is one of invention and creation. Confronted with a problem, individuals and groups of people have focused their attention on solving problems. One after another, sometimes integrated solutions for several problems that emerged as connected.

Our space race discovered many issues that produced processes, technology and production of new products and services. Those have become our everyday tools and experience.

I remember a time before portable radios. In my teens I owned a transistor radio that went everywhere with me. A year or so earlier such a product was not possible.

So much technology was discovered in federally funded military and space related projects. GPS is one such invention that is now commonplace in our cars and even iPhones. The iPhone itself is another such invention.

An entrepreneur focuses on something he/she feels is unique that is solvable. The solution becomes the core of a small business. Other related issues expand the original small business into a growing segment of industry, possibly an entirely new industry.

We are educated to understand things. Not everyone likes this, so they go their own direction in career and lifestyle. But the thinkers among us identify problems and how they might be solved. Not all solutions are technical. Some are simply common sense. Regardless, a new business is possible.

Even the act of starting up a small business is due to focus. Today there are many entities that will help this startup process, even some that are free (SCORE.org). Entrepreneurs need not act alone. There are many people with which they can collaborate and advance the small business. Some of those businesses grow exponentially to create new jobs and industries.

We do this every day. Although government can help, it is not necessary to motivate focused people; they do this on their own. I don’t know if this is uniquely American, but we have a long history of fruitful creativity.

It is clear that MAGA Trump is controlling economic interests, not motivating them. We can do our own focusing and inventing without him and MAGA. So, let’s do this. The process is simple:

First, identify problems you see frequently.

Second, which problems are connected with other problems you notice?

Third, what solutions would address the problems successfully?

Fourth, which solutions are most affordable in the short term that can be improved in the longer term?

Fifth, what is needed to create and deliver the chosen solution? Can you do it alone or do you need specific talents to make the solution work?

Sixth, work alone or select the team, and get down to work. Often the early process is done without cost working from home or in online chat groups. Build the base of the solution accordingly.

Seventh, create the business structure. Ask for help with this because some structures are better in the long run than others. Now implement the business structure to produce and deliver your new product or service.

This is not rocket science. It is hard work, but it starts with and continues with focus.

We all have the ability to focus. We just have to decide to use it.

April 21, 2025

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