40. Uncommon amongst uncommon people

The aim we often strive for is to go above and beyond-

To be more hardworking.

To be really good at our job.

To make a difference.

This is to be uncommon. To be disciplined and recognised as doing something well. Yet, there is somewhat of a popular approach to this success.

You are with a group of hardworking individuals and you try harder than the next group of people. This is often easily recognised in school and work situations. I’m sure you’ll recognise in your life situations how there are often the cliques who give 100% in everything.

But even in those groups, you can be somewhat comfortable.

You are distinctive in a worldly stance but ultimately are very cosy in your tribe and not being different.

The challenge here is to look uncommon amongst even those working hard.

Aiming to achieve new destinations not even plotted on the map yet.

This often is rewarded by doubters, resistance, and ultimately a sense of loneliness.

“Sometimes you need to disconnect in order to best connect with yourself and with the people you serve and love” - Ryan Holiday

The balance is that you don’t become so far removed that you aren’t relatable nor have no people to help, or people to support you.

Like the quote suggests, being intentional with time to disconnect and step back. Gather learnings, level up, and grow as a person to then come back afresh with new ideas. Because ultimately people all learning from the same place will all be the same. You need different life learnings to be uncommon and make a difference.

Therefore change and loneliness aren’t something to be feared rather an opportunity… are you going to take it?