Get Free of the Coolness Factor
Don’t let the coolness factor blind you from the next big thing hiding in plain sight.
Chasing coolness is like chasing a stock: you’re always on the wrong side of the curve. It’s a Catch-22 situation that undervalues your worth as an individual (or as an organization) and what you have to offer.
The social network is all abuzz with the buzz of the day. And those who feel compelled to immerse themselves in it can get so caught up in the clamor that they take leave of all originality.
That is, they leave themselves out of the picture and grasp at what’s trending.
Chasing coolness inhibits originality if we don’t draw the line between what’s trending and what we ourselves might have to offer. But that means taking the time to be quiet and reflect apart from the crowd. And believing that something is there within ourselves worth finding and sharing with others.
Pulling away from the crowd and group think requires a huge act of faith. It’s far easier to follow the wave of popular fashion and trendiness because there’s perceived security in numbers.
But if you’re going to be effective, you’ll have to go it on your own from time to time.
Real creativity springs from an internal, organic unity. Doesn’t mean you can’t learn from and build on the work of others—and we all do. But you’ll be denying the world something that is yours alone to give if you never cultivate your special brand from within.