Why is doing something new so tricky?
Remember when you were little, and people encouraged you to be yourself?
- Walk to the beat of your own drum?
- Develop your own voice?
- Not follow the crowd?
Wonderful ideals, and as a trained researcher, poet, educator, and writer, I support developing these traits in all with whom I work.
Yet, somehow those statements hide a harsh reality often left unspoken. These exhortations to individuality would not be needed if there were not such heavy pressures to conform.
Conforming to expectations encourages self-monitoring and self-restraint, while those who make a difference in life move about their lives, doing things new and wonderful.
As I suggested yesterday, not moving ourselves into new spaces will ultimately leave us fitting into the crowd, missing out on what really may make us special.
So, what risks are you willing to take?
