It often takes a beginner’s mind to enable revolutionary changes. The ability to disrupt established methods and find new ways of looking at old ideas is one of the most sought-after qualifications in all fields. It’s a super power that allows you to be right when others are wrong.
We’re all in a race to the center, trying to look like the others, sound like the others, and act like the others. Our internal narrative and the 100-decibel sirens of our conformist society tell us to play it safe and follow the herd. But the way to get ahead is to channel your inner Teddy, Sofia, and Arnold, and embrace, rather than conceal, your differences.
When we focus on outcomes, activities that we normally love become chores. I love writing, but it stops being fun when I mechanically view it as a means to more pageviews, higher conversion rates, or increased social media shares. An outcome-focused mind is an impatient mind.
Really get into the shoes of the people who might fire you, refuse to hire you, or buy from your competitors. Once you’ve got a good answer to these questions, switch perspectives and find ways to defend against these potential threats.