Being different, doing things differently is an act of leadership.
I recently attended a workshop where the following was stated:
“Being different, doing things differently is an act of leadership.”
This quote resonated with me strongly.
I’ve always felt different and spent many of my formative years and beyond trying to fit in.
That was until a few years ago.
A few years ago, I realised I was masking the real me, and it was getting me down.
I’d been working so hard trying to fit into one box or another, I was exhausted. I also felt lost.
And so I slowly started doing things differently.
Instead of sitting in the lunch room where the office gossip took place, I went for a walk.
I acknowledged that I didn’t need to earn an income as other people did, nor live the same way. I could make a living doing lots of things – I loved the diversity and it suited my brain.
I chose to connect with and spend time with people who got me!
I also started speaking up, saying no, and embracing my ‘differences’ as something special rather than not-so-special.
Those little changes had such an impact on my life. I started to walk more confidently, hold my head up high, change my life, and pursue the things I loved.
And more recently, after learning I had ADHD, I started doing this even more so, embracing my quirky, clumsy, introverted and at times hyperactive self who laughs way too loudly, loves the company of dogs and books, and is a closet nerd (I’ve binged quite a bit of various Start Trek series lately…).
I didn’t foresee the changes this would have on the people around me.
Yes.
Some people disliked the ‘new’ me as I spoke up more. And some people did not understand. I think they were hoping I’d jump back into my box.
But others.
Other people listened, watched, and learned.
You never know the impact what you do and say will have on someone.
And by being different and doing things differently, you will lead the way.
We are all leaders, and each of us can make a difference in little (or big) ways. Be it face-to-face, on social, at work, or with your family or friends.
Just remember.
What you do, what you say, and who you are matters.
