In both life and business, Danny Boyle's insightful words resonate deeply. "To be a filmmaker, you have to lead. You have to be psychotic in your desire to do something. People always like the easy route. You have to push very hard to get something unusual, something different." These words, while spoken in the context of filmmaking, echo as a universal call for those searching for something new in life and business.
Reflecting on Boyle's wisdom, my journey comes to mind—a narrative that has unfolded and continues to evolve. It began in the structured corporate world as a systems programmer for GE, later transitioning into the pursuit of a music career that led me to the music scene found in the city of Los Angeles. A brief stint as a truck driver while practicing and playing with bands, led to a journey that "drove" me both literally and figuratively, into the creative realms of the film business, eventually working my way toward becoming a freelance producer.
While working in film, SAG went on strike, which created a time of limited work opportunities in the freelance production sphere. Yet it was during this downtime, that I found myself on a golf course enjoying a round of golf when I realized that a career change was on the horizon, and the world of golf beckoned. This transformative journey led me to become a PGA golf pro, which eventually led to my current position; a new chapter in the unfolding narrative of my life.
Each chapter or "season" in my life has been an exploration of diverse passions, a series of twists and turns that have shaped my experiences. And I know that my story is far from over; I still have work to do to help others find their true passion.
Every twist in my path demanded more than adaptability; it required leadership, a touch of "psychosis" in pursuing my desires, and an unwavering refusal to settle for the easy route. I was committed to pushing beyond the conventional, to stretch the boundaries of what was deemed possible, much like what Tim Grover speaks of in his book, "Relentless." Which by the way is a book well worth buying. Order it here on Amazon:
Boyle's quote also reminds me of a warning by business guru Tom Peters, "Be distinct or become extinct." My diverse experiences have been a masterclass in the pursuit of distinctiveness. My life, filled with challenges, or should I say, "learning experiences," have become stepping stones toward achieving something different... something unusual... something that was me.
But let's dive deeper into the essence of this pursuit of distinction. It's more than a desire to stand out; it's a commitment to continuous reinvention, an acknowledgment that the path less traveled is often the most rewarding. Each challenge, each deviation from the norm, contributes to a richer, more nuanced understanding of oneself and the world. I mean, how else could I have made a leap from driving a truck for a paint store, eventually leading to freelance producing? Or from working in the film business, to a career in the golf business?
In the relentless pursuit of distinctiveness, I've learned that embracing the unusual isn't just about being different for the sake of it; it's about pushing boundaries with purpose. It's about challenging the status quo, not for the sake of rebellion, but for the sake of progress. It's an acknowledgment that the comfort of the familiar can be a subtle trap, hindering the exploration of new territories where true innovation resides. Sticking with the familiar, leads to one of my most hated words... "complacency." The Cambridge Dictionary defines complacency as: "feeling so satisfied with your own abilities or situation that you feel you do not need to try any harder." Ugh!
The road to distinction is laden with obstacles, but it's also illuminated by the extraordinary. It's a journey of self-discovery, where the challenges encountered aren't roadblocks but opportunities to refine and redefine. It's about finding the balance between the madness of "psychosis" and the clarity of purpose—an alchemy that transforms unconventional desires into extraordinary achievements.
So, as you navigate your own journey, embrace the unusual. Push your boundaries with purpose. Let the pursuit of distinction be a deliberate and conscious choice, a roadmap that guides you toward personal and professional growth. Recognize that being distinct is not just a label; it's a philosophy that propels you forward, urging you to look for new opportunities or better yet, create new opportunities that don't currently exist. Opportunities to rewrite the norms.
The world is waiting for your unique narrative, your distinct contribution to the world. Pursue something different, something unusual. The world needs you.
START NOW:
1. Create Your Distinctive List:
Action: Begin by listing your passions, skills, and experiences. Identify what makes you unique—what sets you apart from the crowd.
Details: Prioritize these elements based on what truly resonates with you. Then, create an action plan with milestones, completion dates, and desired outcomes for each. This will serve as your roadmap for personal and professional growth. However, a word of warning. Don't make a roadmap that's so detailed that you miss any surprises that may pop up along the way. It's those surprises that create distinction (Truck driver to film producer... a surprise along the way).
2. Challenge the Status Quo Weekly:
Action: Dedicate a day each week to challenge a routine or habit. It could be something small, like trying a new route to work or experimenting with a different lunch option, or learning/exploring something new online.
Details: Document your experiences and reflections. This practice not only introduces variety into your life but also nurtures a mindset of continuous exploration and innovation.
3. Read "Relentless" by Tim Grover:
Action: Order Tim Grover's book, "Relentless," (be warned, that language he uses is not exactly rated PG-13) and commit to reading it. Extract key principles and strategies that resonate with you.
Details: Apply these principles to your daily life. While mainly about the relentless pursuit in sports, Grover's insights into achievement align with the commitment to pushing beyond conventional boundaries, as highlighted in this blog post.
4. Identify and Rewrite Your Norms:
Action: Reflect on aspects of your life where you've settled into routine or complacency. Identify these "norms" and challenge yourself to rewrite them. Ask why you settled, or how it happened. Was it because security? Feeling safe? Fearful? Money?
Details: This could involve setting new personal or professional goals, exploring a different career, or simply reconsidering your daily routine. Embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth.
5. Document Your Unusual Journey:
Action: Start a journal or a blog to document your unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Share your journey with others.
Details: Not only does this provide a personal outlet for reflection, but it also inspires and connects with those on a similar path. Your narrative might be the encouragement someone needs to embark on their distinct journey.