Questions

Human beings live in groups for survival, pleasure etc. and that is just fine. But in order to truly be you, you have to have the courage and freedom to step out of groups every once in a while and be very much alone with yourself, your thoughts. Only then you have a clear shot at exiting group think and connecting to your core as well as applying your own mind thoroughly.

Then ask yourself: what do you think to be true that very few people agree with you on? What topic do you really care about? And how does your view of that topic differ from mainstream? Elon Musk said in an interview that where you disagree with society/general belief lays your opportunity for creating differentiated value.

To do create that value you need to go back to the very first principles of your topic ("reasoning from first principles and not by analogy") and work your way up from there until you reach an idea that is based on facts, but different from what's already out there.

To come up with original ideas and the "original you" I'd also suggest to combine topics, interests, traits that do not usually co-exist/meet. For example: In martial arts training I've overcome a "stubborn" plateau by going to some ballet classes. I did not need more muscles or technique to get stronger kicks, just more balance!

Last but not least it's about mental toughness and consistency. Fundamental change and discovery do not come easy. Peer groups as well as society as a whole are used to putting people into boxes because categorization leads to order- which we all crave in this chaotic world. So if you start differentiating yourself you will encounter adversity of some kind. Face that openly and with humility, but at the same time with much confidence. You should learn from others and appreciate them, always, everyone knows something you do not- but at the same time their limits are not yours.

All the best!


Answered 5 years ago

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