The Ford Motor Company released the Model T on October 1, 1908. Due to the advent of the moving assembly line, they were able to produce 15 million Model T cars in 19 years! If you were someone that drove in the early 20th century, you had a Model T. I’m not sure how anyone ever found their car. The last Model T left the assembly line on May 26, 1927 because drivers in the Roaring Twenties decided they wanted variety. Characteristics such as affordability and durability were not as prized as they once were. Drivers now desired speed and luxury.
Like the Model T, the new cars being produced still had an engine, doors, and four wheels but the exterior designs began to evolve. Fundamentally, all cars serve the same purpose – to get us from point A to point B but the differences in shape, design, cost, and features make some cars stand out from the pack.
In life, it is our differences that make us unique. Some people feel less valuable or less equipped based upon their perceived differences. However, in the tapestry of human history, those differences may be the very thing necessary to advance us to where we need to be. So often, variety is scrutinized and even vilified, leaving many to feel that the variety they bring to the table is not worthy of being served. Our differences are our greatest strength if we take the time to understand them.
VARIETY OF STRATEGY
Many people have started businesses and many gurus have written books on how best to do that. Thankfully, some of the most successful entrepreneurs never read those books. The Mark Zuckerberg model for how to start a business may not be textbook, but it seems to have worked alright for him. Many times, those that we remember are the ones who go against the grain of uniformity and blaze their own trail.
While there are some staples that your strategy should have – a vision, a focus, and a business plan, you should also feel empowered to devise a different strategy that will be in line with your purpose, style, and ability. When you are formulating a strategy that doesn’t currently exist it won’t be easy to bring it to fruition. But since when did something being difficult become a reason not to do it?
VARIETY OF STYLE
If you teach, make clothes, speak, dance, preach, parent or write, you’re not the only one who does so. But what sets you apart is how you do it. We are all unique and while there are standards in most professions for acceptable forms of conduct, we need to remain ourselves within those contexts. Too often, we are sidetracked by an allegiance to traditionalism. This causes us to major on the minors and ignore the things that could make us major.
Comparison kills passion and stifles growth. World-famous fashion designer, Vera Wang, couldn’t find what she wanted amongst the available bridal wear so she designed her own gown and had a dressmaker tailor it. Her bridal wear now appears in over 55 upscale retailers. She’s not the only wedding dress designer, but she’s probably the most recognizable. Her unique style in a crowded arena made her a household name.
VARIETY OF STRENGTHS
Your strengths enable you to excel in your area of purpose or leadership. What often happens is that we become enamored with the strengths of others. Then we spend time working on their strengths, which may not align with our own and we end up leaving our own inherent strengths undeveloped. Embrace your unique abilities. Find ways to leverage or enlist other people who are strong in your areas of weakness so that you and they can thrive.
Once you discover your strengths, don’t rest on your laurels. Spend time maximizing those abilities. If you are strong in math take more math classes to enhance that gift. If you have a knack for singing take more singing lessons. Redeem the time by perfecting what you have. When you lift weights, the goal is to break your muscles down so that when they recover they do so…bigger and stronger. Likewise, you may take some lumps while developing your strengths but in the end you’ll be stronger and better able to fulfill your purpose.
“Strength of character isn’t always about how much you can handle before you break. It’s also about how much you can handle after you’ve been broken.”
– Robert Tew
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