Skip to main content

The Lone Nut




Derek Sivers in his now-famous "How To Start A Movement"  TED talk talks about how the lone nut is responsible for starting a movement. 

Using a video of a shirtless dancing guy who is least concerned about people around him Sivers goes on to highlight important leadership lessons and insights. 

But all said and done, it takes guts to be the lone nut. Because you need a strong belief in yourself to stand out and be ridiculed for what you're trying to do. Till the time you find a follower the journey can be a long and arduous one. You need to be able to hang in there. 

Hang in till the time people start believing in you and following you. The lone nut usually believes in a cause worth fighting for. He/she may be avoided by the people but it's him/her paving the path for the movement to start. 

The lone nut is always going to be one fascinated by or passionate towards something different which may have nothing to with what's happening around. He/she might be 10 steps ahead, or may have the solution in sight or maybe fighting for a cause or may have stumbled upon something that will change the course of things. But most times these are lone battles till the first follower comes along. 

The battles they fight however worthy of a cause are initially ridiculed and laughed at or are least accepted. Because they are way out of what a normal mind may comprehend and make sense. 

So when Derek Siver says, "... And when you find a lone nut doing something great, have the guts to be the first one to stand up and join in. Because It's you who will transform the lone nut into a great leader. 
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Power We Yield - A Reflection on Meiyazhagan

I recently watched a Tamil movie that left me reflecting deeply on the intricate, often unseen threads of connection that bind us to others. Despite having watched it twice and appreciating its nuanced storytelling, I still struggle to pronounce the name of the mysterious relative, Meiyazhagan . The name may evade me, but the emotions it evokes resonate deeply. The story unfolds with Arul, a man who embarks on an emotional journey to reconnect with his roots. During his visit to Thanjavur, Arul is shown his childhood bicycle, now a cherished relic in the home of a relative he barely remembers. The bicycle, meticulously maintained, symbolizes resilience and love—it once served as a livelihood tool for the family and now stands as a "god" in their household. The relative, referred to as Nandhini’s husband, shows unwavering affection and generosity toward Arul, despite the latter's inability to recall his name or their shared history. This anonymity does not dimi...
Post a Comment
Read more

Day 19 - The Power of Multidisciplinary Approach

In an era of specialization, many of the world's most successful people advocate for a broader, more holistic view—one that embraces a multidisciplinary approach to life. This approach involves combining knowledge and skills from various fields, leading to better problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability. Think of a Renaissance person like Leonardo da Vinci, whose expertise spanned art, science, and engineering, shaping innovation for centuries. Today, the importance of a multidisciplinary mindset has become even more crucial in navigating the complexities of modern life. The Impact of a Multidisciplinary Approach David Epstein’s book, Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, provides compelling arguments for why those who explore a wide variety of interests often outperform their more specialized peers in the long run. Epstein highlights examples from sports, business, and science, showing that people who dip their toes into different fields are often...
Post a Comment
Read more

The 70+ Hour Work Week Debate: An Intentional Grab for Attention or a Serious Commentary?

The recent debates surrounding the idea of a 70+ hour work week have sparked intense reactions, drawing both applause and criticism. While some view it as a badge of honor for high achievers, others see it as an outdated notion that glorifies burnout. But a deeper question emerges: is this debate merely a deliberate attempt to grab eyeballs and enjoy a fleeting hour of glory? In today’s media-driven world, controversial statements often gain disproportionate attention, flooding news feeds and capturing the public’s imagination. Leaders making such proclamations may find themselves in the limelight, relishing the buzz around their bold, albeit polarizing, remarks. But at what cost does this attention come? The Underlying Risks and Downsides The glorification of excessive work hours raises several pressing concerns: Burnout Culture : Does endorsing 70+ hour work weeks perpetuate a culture where exhaustion is equated with success? How does this impact mental health and well-be...
Post a Comment
Read more