I suppose that every time there is difficulty. I remember about

The words of John Hench, “I suppose that every time there is difficulty. I remember about Space Mountain: It took us ten years before we found the technology that would allow such a ride. And during these ten years, I had a model that I kept, waiting for the technology we needed,” resonate as a testament to patience, vision, and the enduring power of imagination. Hench speaks not only of technology but of foresight—the wisdom to envision what does not yet exist, and the courage to wait until the world is ready to realize it. He reminds us that obstacles are not endpoints, but invitations to persevere, to refine our vision, and to prepare for the moment when opportunity and capability align.

The origin of this insight lies in Hench’s extraordinary career as an Imagineer for Disney, where he helped craft the iconic Space Mountain attraction. Faced with technological limitations, Hench did not abandon his vision. Instead, he preserved a model, a tangible representation of a dream yet unrealizable. His story exemplifies the marriage of creativity and patience, demonstrating that innovation often requires waiting for tools, knowledge, and methods to catch up to imagination.

History provides powerful parallels. Consider Leonardo da Vinci, who sketched flying machines centuries before human flight was possible. His visions remained dormant, mere sketches in notebooks, until the development of engines, materials, and aerodynamics allowed humanity to soar. Like Hench, da Vinci embodies the principle that true innovators prepare the way for the future, holding ideas in reserve until the world is capable of realizing them.

Even within Hench’s own era, the evolution of roller coaster engineering mirrors his lesson. Early thrill rides lacked the structural materials, safety systems, and propulsion technology to achieve the exhilaration Hench envisioned. Only through decades of advancement in steel fabrication, computerized control systems, and engineering techniques could Space Mountain become a reality. The model, preserved over time, served as a bridge between imagination and execution, a constant reminder of the eventual triumph of foresight.

The meaning of Hench’s words is profound: vision requires patience as much as skill. To innovate is to navigate a landscape in which desire outpaces capability. By holding steadfast to a concept, refining it, and waiting for circumstances to align, creators ensure that when technology catches up, their vision will be realized fully and powerfully. Obstacles are not failures; they are chapters in the long arc of achievement.

The lesson for future generations is timeless: cultivate patience, preserve your vision, and respect the natural pace of progress. Every difficulty may conceal the opportunity to refine your model, to rethink your approach, and to prepare for the moment when realization becomes possible. Hench teaches that creativity is not merely spontaneous; it is deliberate, sustained, and guided by foresight.

Practical action flows naturally. Document your ideas, build prototypes, and refine them continuously. Monitor technological developments, learning which innovations may finally enable your concepts to take form. Do not abandon ambitious goals simply because the present lacks the tools; instead, preserve your vision and prepare diligently for the time when it becomes feasible.

Thus, let John Hench’s words echo as guidance for all creators: hold your vision patiently, refine it, and wait for the technology to catch up. The journey from imagination to realization is often long, but with persistence, foresight, and preparation, ideas that once seemed impossible can become enduring triumphs, inspiring generations and transforming the world.