How to Develop Individuality: Function from Your Fingerprints
By Bill Benson · Feb 2, 2022
We live in a results-oriented culture. A place where borrowing motives and methods feels like a logical shortcut for gaining ground. After all, why start from “square one” when you can skip ahead by imitating someone else’s success?
Society seems a willing accomplice to this mindset. Charismatic speakers profess: “Do it my way!” convincing us to answer their calls-to-action (in place of developing our own) and content curation (reprinting already-existing material) is a common Social Media time-saver.
Yet, these methods cheat us and our culture – inhibiting individuality and impeding innovation. Instead, we must develop fresh perspectives to drive personal growth and cultural evolution.
A Little Help Along the Way
Personal growth doesn’t have to be solitary. For example, utilizing a mentor’s wise guidance is an excellent way of acquiring the tools necessary for finding your true north.
However, one caveat: See mentors as inspirational, not imitational. Understand that they have custom-tailored their successes to suit themselves. Strive to establish takeaways notable to you from the principles they provide.
A few helpful tips:
- Set down your ego! We learn far more from our failures than our successes. Hone your pursuits based on what your mistakes have taught you.
- Don’t let your intentions fade! No one can circumnavigate the sweat-equity of refining a skill. Malcolm Gladwell’s book “Tipping Point” calculates that we need 10,000 hours of focused attention before mastering any activity. Tenacity is the best indicator of success.
- Choose with your heart as well as your head! Well-being is a product of engaging in meaningful pursuits. Pursuing a career based solely on earnings or prestige is a setup for a life-term of emotional struggle.
Be An Original
Honing our abilities to filter-through data provides a surer path toward clarity. In this way, we are active participants in our personal enlightenment.
Instead of just borrowing from culture, decide to increase your dexterity by lending a hand and contributing your unique fingerprints.