Last Updated on July 22, 2024

The different can make a difference

Every Marvel movie, every kid’s cartoon, and every science fiction story is about “saving the world.”

And it sure does seem like the world could use a little saving these days.

I don’t think the world is going to be saved by a singular hero.

But I do think there is a lot of room for improvement.

And that improvement primarily comes from those who “think different.”

Beyond the goal of normal

The funny thing is, those of us who are different often want to be normal.

We spend so much time and energy trying to fit in.

What a waste!

Maybe we’re not meant to fit in at all.

Maybe we’re meant to be leaders, to be out in front, pointing the way.

When I feel hopeless about the state of the world, I like to think about the new technology adoption curve.

Most people are not actually open to new ideas or new technologies.

At least not at first.

There’s just a small section of the population, the innovators, who love to explore new things.

The innovators create new things which are seized upon by early adopters.

The early adopters are cool and hip, so a lot of people want to be like them.

The new thing takes off.

And eventually even people who hate change are dragged along.

This is how a new technology like the iPhone started out and became popular.

New ideas for how to run our lives and create a better world also work like this.

I find this way of thinking inspiring, because it’s not my job to convince the masses.

For instance, I know that it’s better to be kind than to punish yourself and others for mistakes.

I don’t just think that, I know it.

I’ve tested both ways, extensively, and I can say without any doubt whatsoever that kindness wins, every time.

When I look at the wider world though, kindness is certainly not the norm!

Our world is primarily operating from “The Punishment Paradigm.”

Love wins in inner work, in intimate relationships, in parenting, in education, in business, and on and on.

This is the paradigm shift I’m writing about in my book The Joy of Doing: Redesigning Work to Work for Everyone.

It is an extremely robust way to see the world, and it just makes everything better.

That said, it might be a while before humanity realizes that love is better than fear.

My job — and yours too — isn’t to convince everyone though.

It’s just to keep spreading the good news, primarily to people who are ready to hear it.

So you, dear reader, don’t need to save the whole world.

What a relief!

Doing your part is enough.

You’re not meant to “fit in,” you’re meant to lead.

How can you lead yourself and those around you today towards more love?

Take care,

~Duff
(they/them)

p.s. If you want to practice The Joy of Doing and enter into this new paradigm, consider joining my weekly coaching group. It’s only $47 a month.