A long-standing myth suggests the average human only uses 10 percent of available brainpower.

Scientists tell us this is hogwash. But yet the myth persists because we all know that our capacity is so much more than what most of us actually achieve.

That goes for all of us, regardless of race, ethnic background, age, social upbringing, wealth, etc.

We all believe we have more capacity than we turn into action.

Much of the problem of unrealized potential seems to be caused by distractions. Almost all of us, when we focus like a laser, can accomplish some great things.

We hope that Mississippi lawmakers can collectively focus in such a way in the coming months.

Today, the Legislature will convene in Jackson for the start of the 2012 session.

Many serious issues face lawmakers, but we hope they can focus on problems with policy that can affect Mississippi in a positive way — not merely political ones. Further, we hope they focus on issues that truly are state issues rather than digging into national issues.

Constructive debate on things such as true education reform, the possibility of allowing charter schools — and doing it correctly this time — and correcting state spending should be far and away ahead of state-based immigration reform. Any aggressive, state-mandated immigration laws will be hashed out, ultimately, in federal court, not in Jackson. Just think of how much more productive the Legislature could be if its members flipped the “brain myth” analogy on its head?

Imagine if lawmakers just improved their productivity on important things by 10 percent this year. Now that would be amazing progress.