“Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary.” Cecil Beaton
Whether striking out on completely unexplored ground, or traveling paths worn by those before you, never stop trying to find your passion and make the world a better place.
In the forest, there was a crooked tree and a straight tree. Every day, the straight tree would say to the crooked tree, “Look at me…I’m tall, and I’m straight, and I’m handsome. Look at you…you’re all crooked and bent over. No one wants to look at you.” And they grew up in that forest together. And then one day the loggers came, and they saw the crooked tree and the straight tree, and they said, “Just cut the straight trees and leave the rest.” So the loggers turned all the straight trees into lumber and toothpicks and paper. And the crooked tree is still there, growing stronger and stranger every day. (Tom Waits)
Be daring: Go where no man (or woman) has ever been. Take a chance, be bold. Start that business that many people will tell you will not work. Sol Kerzner build his first hotel against all odds. Financiers told them it will never work. Eat your words now, all you banks out there. Take calculated risks.
Be different: Forget same-old-same old. Nobody is interested. There are too many players in this market. Market your wedding venue at a lower price on Sundays. Open your financial institution on Saturday afternoons. Satisfy your clients’ needs. In marketing we refer to this as differentiation. Dare not to be a me-too company.
Be impractical: This does not mean you should do things that do not work, but rather things against the general norm. Lady Gaga’s meat dress is probably one of the best examples of impractical. However, it has brought her major publicity. Jack Parow’s extra long peak gets people talking. Push the limits, the boundaries.
Play-it-safers: We all know these people, boring as hell. Always to scared to try anything. They will always be safe, and therefor never make it big in life. Surely you do not want to be like them? Briefly analyse your business opportunity, make some rough calculations and then go for it. Most of the things you are concerned about will NEVER happen. And what if they do? Then make a plan, adapt and carry on.
Creatures of commonplace: I declare today that I never, ever want to be common. I want to be one of a kind. As unique as only I know how to be. Break those chains that bind you and be free.
Slaves of the ordinary: What will your family and friends say at your grave? Sam was an ordinary girl? What do you want them to say. Write your own obituary today. No doubt you will want them to say you were unique, special, always trying new ways of doing things.
So change your ways from today. You will be surprised how easy it is, and how refreshing, and rewarding. Start your new life today with your own business.