Different is good

Different is good. We're all a little weird in our own way, and that's good too.

I'm glad we progressed from the times when we were told what to do, how to do it and when to do it. We are far more tolerant of individual behavior than twenty or thirty years ago.

Sure there were mavericks then and throughout history.  We celebrate many historical weirdos - people who were curios enough and convinced enough that they had to be different.  Think of Galileo and Newton and Ford and what their ideas mean to us today.

And think of Elvis and Branson and Gates. They too had a big impact on society, business and entertainment. There are many more examples.

It's easier now than ever before to get an idea out there.  To get feedback and to start a conversation.

So dare to be different. Dare to be authentically you. We need more individual thinkers and more importantly, individual doers.

Of course there will be the unrealistic, impractical and downright silly ideas.  Like a political party that promises free wi-fi, free education, free everything for the nation.  It's a daft plan and by all accounts won't gain much traction.

But the debate it sparks and the new ideas that may emerge from the crazy must be applauded. Getting more people to think about challenging the status quo and providing fresh solutions to problems will benefit us in the long run.

Not only in politics. Not only in business. It applies to all areas of society.

I wrote about the benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone before. Being authentically different will probably take you out of your comfort zone. And there's personal growth there.

Be yourself, be different.