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).
Maverick thinking
We can’t outgrow and overcome the limitations we have imposed on ourselves without first recognizing those limitations (Tweet this quote). Too many time the greatest challenge we face is not our circumstances, but rather, how we’ve grown accustomed to seeing them.
Like a farmer plants seeds in soil, a leader plants ideas in other people. These ideas grow self-esteem, expand perspectives, and inspire people share their own ideas with the world.
You see, it’s not a question of whether a pig has wings but rather if a pig can be placed in something that has wings. A minor difference with big implications — but an excellent example re-framing rhetoric that re-frames what is possible.
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.
Both the hammer and the nail appear on the job site, but one is at the mercy of the other. One is hammering and one is getting hammered. Technically speaking, this isn’t always negative. After all, nails are needed to build structures — but nails are rarely Mavericks. Why? …
Innovation and progress requires testing the rules and assumptions that most people believe are inescapable and unchangeable. And in the process, new perspectives often present new approaches that change the way the rules effect our lives.
For instance, we all know gravity is a very real thing. But while many people thought this meant it would be impossible for humans to fly, there were some Mavericks who decided to challenge that ‘rule.’
Contrary to popular belief, ambitious individuals trying to make a name for themselves don’t suffer from a lack of resources. They suffer mainly from obscurity. And by definition, obscurity always increases at the norm. Why? Because “common” literally means widespread – it’s the peak of the bell curve; the home of the majority.
In a monarch society the ruling faction is determined by bloodline. But beyond the royal palace, success is impartial. The crown of great accomplishments can be claimed by the hardworking, innovative, and resourceful individual — whatever their background or bloodline.
To protect ourselves from possible embarrassment, ridicule, or judgement, we often live life with a psychological lampshade. We hide our most audacious, crazy (and often most important) ideas from the world. But ideas can’t materialize when held captive in our minds. In fact, ideas multiply in value when they are freed, shared, talked about, and tested.
Despite the oversimplified beliefs about the necessity of earning a degree from ‘art school,’ a true artist knows that art school does not groom one to become a world-class artist. They understand that such an education may help hone their skills, but not reveal them.
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