Refuse to conform
By Steve Jobs in 1997, Apple Computer launched an advertising and promotional campaign to celebrate people who shape the world and make a difference.
LIFE is too short. Step into the extraordinary sphere by doing your best and expressing the great potential in you. Imagine a huge, open field with a single, well-trodden path running through it. Everyone is timidly walking along that designated route, afraid to stray, to explore the unknown reaches of the field. But you are different. You see the potential for greater things, for hidden beauty and unique experiences off the beaten path.
The Apple campaign’s rallying call was: “Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things. They push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world are the ones who do.”
Be crazy enough to believe you can do great things. Do not just look at things as they are. See them as they can be. Creativity thrives in environments where diversity and originality are celebrated. Break away from the crowd and open the door to new perspectives, ideas and innovative solutions.
Your individuality is a wellspring of creativity that is waiting to be tapped.
Do not let fear hold you back. Do not be afraid of expressing yourself differently. Think outside the box. Challenge the process and see how to improve it. Others sleepwalk but for you, never sleepwork. This is where you mindlessly work and never think about how you are going about it.
Bring improvement and change by challenging the status quo. Unconventional ideas could easily lead to ground-breaking achievements.
Before the 1968 Mexico City Olympics,
Embracing your uniqueness builds a solid foundation for self-esteem many high jumpers used to approach their for those around you. Your courage to jumping challenge through traditional and be different sends a powerful message that conventional methods. They would dive, encourages others to embrace their individuality “roll over” or use the then-popular scissors as well. technique. Greatness happens when you inspire others
They would clear their heights by running to believe they, too, can do great things. In parallel to the bar, then use the straddle kick a society that often values conformity, your to leap over before landing with their faces choice to stand out creates positive ripple pointed downwards. It looked as though there effects. was no other way. Conformity often leads people down paths
However, at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, that may not align with their true passions Dick Fosbury took off at an angle. Leaping and aspirations. When you stop following the backwards, he bent himself into a “J” shape crowd, you give yourself the space to explore to catapult his 1,9-metre body frame over the your interests and discover your true calling. bar. He then landed headfirst. It was nothing Embrace your uniqueness and the opportunities like anyone had seen. The athlete set a record around you. Dare to do great things. of 2.24 metres, winning a gold medal. He revolutionised Take pockets of opportunities around you and the high jump event. put your thoughts into effect.
His “back-first” technique is now known as Breaking away from social hypnosis and the Fosbury flop. His method was superior to feeding on popular negativity will make you traditional techniques. By the next Olympics, stand out. As you break away from the crowd, 28 of the 40 jumpers were using Fosbury’s you grow in confidence. So, dare to believe and jumping technique. to express the greatness that is already in you.
From then on, his method is now global You are a blessing whose time has come. You practice for any serious athlete. have something to offer the world.
Blindly following the crowd may provide So, go forth, explore those uncharted territories, a sense of security. Regrettably, it leads to a and discover the hidden treasures that predictable, monotonous journey. You sacrifice lie beyond the crowd. Pave your own path, your dreams and aspirations to simply blend in. and do great things.
Inside you reside great thoughts that seek Committed to your greatness. expression, great ideas that seek release. True greatness and confidence come from facing challenges as your authentic self. When you navigate life on your terms, you develop the strength to overcome obstacles and setbacks.
Embracing your uniqueness builds a solid foundation for self-esteem. You learn to trust your instincts and stand firm in your beliefs.
By breaking away from the crowd, like Fosbury or Jobs, you become a beacon of inspiration