We’ve all heard it before: Think outside of the box. But sometimes it’s good to see a visual cue in our environment that reminds us to do this more frequently. That’s why I created this piece (and Maxims 4 Mavericks).
make your own rules
Guilt is a powerful, but ugly emotion. Sure, it can contribute to decision-making some would equate with discipline, but personally, I believe there are far more productive paths to self-control.
By definition a ‘norm’ is common. Thus, being ‘normal’ means being common (Tweet this quote). It means thinking and doing in the same way as the majority. Yet, being ‘normal’ is still encouraged by society.
After a decade spent observing human behavior I’ve noticed some patterns that have led to a surprisingly simple theory of mine: The sources of our greatest problems are two fold: One, a lack of information and two, perhaps most importantly, a plethora of wrong information. Accordingly, we can divide the majority of the population into two camps:
One’s dream life may not look the same to you, me, or society. And that’s okay – as long as the greater good benefits in some way too. I look at it this way: True balance is found when one’s lifestyle is both fulfilling and sustainable.
On one hand, rules and norms create social cohesion and order, but on the other, they breed conformity and complacency. Most social norms and rules were created with a purpose, but relevance is never permanent.
Don’t choose conformity and compliance over creativity because you’ll most likely end up somewhere (and someone) you don’t want to be. Let your intuition and creative inclinations be heard before you become part of the herd.
While writing a speech several years ago and reflecting on my entrepreneurial endeavors I noticed something interesting… Not one of my businesses began with a cliché spurt of inspiration. They were birthed as a result of my frustrations and willingness to create a solution.
The rush of inspiration is fun, fast, and extremely powerful, but a BIG mistake too many could-be Mavericks make is waiting to be swept up by a Hollywood injection of divine inspiration. And wait they do.
Budding entrepreneurs often underestimate the power of converting feelings of desperation into fuel for new action. Not satisfied with a product, service, market void, or comment someone made about you? Do something about it.
I’ll even be so bold to say that I believe inspiration is fleeting. Desperation makes for a much better long-term fuel if you have a clear goal in mind.
But whether it be inspiration or desperation, I just hope you’ll jump on board and light the rocket. Your life – and the world – will be better for it.
“Things don’t work that way in the real world” we’re implicitly and/or explicitly told. But even though advice about the “real world” may come with good intentions, it doesn’t make it accurate. Cautionary counsel is less about fact and more of an outward reflection of an inner belief or opinion based on personal points of…
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