Chasing Downhill

On reminiscing why Apple went after the iPad instead of what some industry watchers thought was "the future" in low-priced and under powered netbooks, Phil Schiller commented "Even if the market was going there, we weren't going to chase everybody downhill"

by Pete Ferguson

As a kid I can remember many times saying "but everybody else is doing it" to my parents to try and sway them to let me do the same.

I'm sure we've all heard at least once in our lives the common response "if everybody was jumping off a cliff, would you jump too?"

Individuality is a key to an enjoyable life. Unfortunately in many of today's assembly-line or cubicle dwelling jobs in Corporate America, individuality isn't always cherished and standardized tests move schools towards teaching us how to sit still and follow the pack.

Our current system of teaching kids to sit in straight rows and obey instructions isn’t a coincidence—it was an investment in our economic future. The plan: trade short-term child-labor wages for longer-term productivity by giving kids a head start in doing what they’re told.

Large-scale education was not developed to motivate kids or to create scholars. It was invented to churn out adults who worked well within the system. ~ Seth Godin

Running down the hill with the pack - even if you are in first place - doesn't mean you are headed for personal excellence. It just means you are winning the race to mediocrity.

“The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.” ~ Michelangelo

The lesson I continue to preach - and work even harder to follow - is the importance of developing your individuality ... continue reading at www.learnactshare.com

Tags: development, discovery, ferguson, individuality, learnactshare, personality, pete, skills

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Comment by Peter A Ferguson on November 16, 2012 at 2:41pm: Karen, Jen, and Caroline, thank you for taking the time to provide feedback and additional insight to this topic.

"Our own gifts of uniqueness will inspire others to reveal their special gifts" is very true!

Comment by Karen ODonnell on November 16, 2012 at 9:52am: thanks, Peter.... -- reminder that we are all unique... and designed to Be our best self!

Comment by Jen McDonough "The Iron Jen" on November 16, 2012 at 7:12am: Inspirationally wise, Pete! Variety truly is the spice of life, and we all know this. However, nothing beats the gift of how God uniquely wired each of us. Our own gifts of uniqueness will inspire others to reveal their special gifts, and pretty soon you will be surrounded with friends with fresh perspectives on life and unusual ways of looking at things.

Live Beyond Awesome.

Jen

Twitter @TheIronJen

Comment by Caroline Gavin on November 15, 2012 at 9:54am: Awesome! Embracing this motivation to continue climbing my own mountain! Peter, I appreciate you for not only sharing this but also living what you share.