Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World
by Adam Grant
June 13, 2020 — June 21, 2020
Los Angeles, CA
From Ray Dalio’s List
Revolutionaries come in different forms and they’re needed to keep this world moving. As a self-proclaimed revolutionary myself, I have seen many traits of the way I think and act mentioned in the book, however, I’ve also realized that I’ve limited myself in life because I have been conforming to the status quo on different concepts that I want to abandon from now on, to be a reformer one must be willing to reform from within. Because of my results, I have always assumed that my strategy was best, but I could’ve done better. It’s time to fight the uphill battle again, with a reformed mentality and courage that exceeds the fear of failure, to achieve and create more.
The author discusses a range of topics that lead to the idea of moving forward by not conforming to the status quo. The first step, figuring out the flaws of the status quo to defeat it; the default or what is recommended isn’t necessarily what’s best, you have to take it on yourself to go after what's best. Our probability of success increases as we try more in life and keep on generating ideas, willing to share ideas and incorporate feedback from fellow creators in the field is essential. Understanding your authority and status is important when promoting & implementing your agenda, be realistic and look through the lens of others because they are the ones who are going to decide to follow you or not. Gain status to change the system from within, once you’re high up, do whatever you want (think of BCG Partners wearing Hawaiian shirts in the office); until then, watch yourself. Founders of an idea or movement tend to be very radical about it, it requires a moderate mediator to pass on the cause and form alliances. Radicalism is needed to start, practicalism is needed to continue. The best team is a diverse meritocracy that is willing to openly debate each other's ideas with full transparency. Commitment is the greatest template of culture, with sincerity being the secret to success. Remember, being the first to do something is not always best, and likely to fail. Take the time to be better.