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LED by Steve Jobs in 1997, Apple Computer launched an advertising and promotional campaign to celebrate people who shape the world and make a difference.
Hunt for Greatness
Milton Kamwendo
Life is too short. Step into the extraordinary sphere by doing your best and expressing the great potential in you.
Imagine a huge, open field with a single, well-trodden path running through it. Everyone is timidly walking along that designated route, afraid to stray, to explore the unknown reaches of the field. But you are different. You see the potential for greater things, for hidden beauty and unique experiences off the beaten path.
The Apple campaign’s rallying call was: “Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things. They push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world are the ones who do.”
Be crazy enough to believe you can do great things. Do not just look at things as they are. See them as they can be. Creativity thrives in environments where diversity and originality are celebrated. Break away from the crowd and open the door to new perspectives, ideas and innovative solutions.
Your individuality is a wellspring of creativity that is waiting to be tapped.
Do not let fear hold you back. Do not be afraid of expressing yourself differently. Think outside the box. Challenge the process and see how to improve it. Others sleepwalk but for you, never sleepwork. This is where you mindlessly work and never think about how you are going about it.
Bring improvement and change by challenging the status quo. Unconventional ideas could easily lead to ground-breaking achievements.
Before the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, many high jumpers used to approach their jumping challenge through traditional and conventional methods. They would dive, “roll over” or use the then-popular scissors technique.
They would clear their heights by running parallel to the bar, then use the straddle kick to leap over before landing with their faces pointed downwards. It looked as though there was no other way.
However, at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, Dick Fosbury took off at an angle. Leaping backwards, he bent himself into a “J” shape to catapult his 1,9-metre body frame over the bar. He then landed headfirst. It was nothing like anyone had seen. The athlete set a record of 2.24 metres, winning a gold medal. He revolutionised the high jump event.
His “back-first” technique is now known as the Fosbury flop. His method was superior to traditional techniques. By the next Olympics, 28 of the 40 jumpers were using Fosbury’s jumping technique.
From then on, his method is now global practice for any serious athlete.
Blindly following the crowd may provide a sense of security. Regrettably, it leads to a predictable, monotonous journey. You sacrifice your dreams and aspirations to simply blend in.
Inside you reside great thoughts that seek expression, great ideas that seek release. True greatness and confidence come from facing challenges as your authentic self. When you navigate life on your terms, you develop the strength to overcome obstacles and setbacks.
Embracing your uniqueness builds a solid foundation for self-esteem. You learn to trust your instincts and stand firm in your beliefs.
By breaking away from the crowd, like Fosbury or Jobs, you become a beacon of inspiration for those around you. Your courage to be different sends a powerful message that encourages others to embrace their individuality as well.
Greatness happens when you inspire others to believe they, too, can do great things. In a society that often values conformity, your choice to stand out creates positive ripple effects.
Conformity often leads people down paths that may not align with their true passions and aspirations. When you stop following the crowd, you give yourself the space to explore your interests and discover your true calling.
Embrace your uniqueness and the opportunities around you. Dare to do great things. Take pockets of opportunities around you and put your thoughts into effect.
Breaking away from social hypnosis and feeding on popular negativity will make you stand out. As you break away from the crowd, you grow in confidence. So, dare to believe and to express the greatness that is already in you. You are a blessing whose time has come. You have something to offer the world.
So, go forth, explore those uncharted territories, and discover the hidden treasures that lie beyond the crowd. Pave your own path, and do great things.
Committed to your greatness.
Milton Kamwendo is a leading international transformational and motivational speaker, author and accomplished workshop facilitator. He is a cutting-edge strategy, team-building and organisation development facilitator and consultant. His life purpose is to inspire and promote greatness. He can be reached at: [email protected]
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter