Three Minute Leadership: On Not Being ‘Average’
To: The Great Leaders Who Have a Passion for Continuous Learning
Philip Humbert, leadership author, in his article, “Success May Mean Being Weird,” writes: “One of the paradoxes of life is that being ‘normal’ or ‘reasonable’ often means settling for ordinary results, while success requires that we be different and sometimes, uncomfortable. By definition, high achievers are not ‘average” people!” These individuals, these great leaders, imagine the unimaginable, challenge their limits, take risks … just do it. While their ideas are sometimes called crazy, the great leaders find their beautiful unconventionality in something special – their own wonderful uniqueness. They have self-confidence in their own gifts – the ones they know, and others they have yet to discover. Humbert writes:
Success is not achieved by being “ordinary.” Rather, success is the predictable result of following your own path and trusting your own instincts, whether or not your neighbors understand…. To achieve your unique version of success, follow your heart. Yes, you’ll want to learn from others. Yes, you’ll want to obey the law and applicable regulations, but aside from those things, you become great by being exactly and uniquely yourself.
This is a call for more eccentrics, more individuals, more creative, unrepentant adventurers. Go where your heart and your instincts lead you. Instead of following the “normal” highway, blaze a new path and leave a trail for others to follow.
An insight into the mindset that drives this “unconventional’ spirit is captured in Philippe Petit’s words when asked how he had accomplished his high wire crossing between the Twin Towers in New York City in August 1974: “You have to exercise rebellion: to refuse to tape yourself to rules, to refuse your own success, to refuse to repeat yourself, to see every day, every year, every idea as a true challenge – and then you are going to live your life on a tightrope.” It is about being rebellious, refusing to see the world as it is, but as it can be.
Be that “unrepentant adventurer” who changes the world. In all eternity… all eternity… there is and will be only one, magnificent you. The gifts that you have are so very unique, so very special and rare. Share them and don’t hold back. Your view of the world can change the world. Remember the words of Friedrich Nietzsche, German philosopher and poet: “The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.” Own yourself! Be more than you ever dreamed you could be.
Have a beautiful day and an incredibly unconventional week!!! And have fun doing it!!!
Mike