Originals

“Originals are people who take the road less traveled, champion new ideas, and fight against conformity––and to be one means embracing discomfort and persistence.”

1. Being non-conformist can enhance your career

Originality isn't just about dreaming up new ideas; it's about taking the initiative to make them happen. Original people are willing to break away from established norms and take risks. For example, economist Michael Housman's research uncovered a quirky link between creativity and individuals who chose alternative web browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox instead of default browsers.

These non-traditional browser users proved more likely to take initiative, think independently, and solve problems at work. Such traits translated into them staying in their jobs longer and performing better. On the other hand, employees who stuck to default browsers often lacked creativity, limiting their career satisfaction and growth.

Taking an unconventional path doesn’t mean challenging every rule but finding unique approaches to improve your work, relationships, and society. Original thinkers thrive by embracing their individual ideas and being willing to stand by them, even if it means occasional discomfort or failure.

Examples

• Web browser choice as an indicator of problem-solving skills.
• Customer service employees who challenged norms stayed longer in jobs.
• Standout thinkers create alternatives to conventional methods in workplaces.

2. More ideas lead to better ideas

Creativity thrives on volume. Producing a high number of ideas increases the likelihood of stumbling upon a few brilliant ones. Isaac Newton’s groundbreaking discovery of gravitation might seem like a "eureka" moment, but behind it was a lifelong process of research and experimentation.

Psychologist Dean Simonton highlighted how creative geniuses in history—like Picasso—achieved success not because every idea they had was great but because they created so many ideas that statistically a few masterpieces shined through. Picasso, for instance, made thousands of artworks, though only a small number became globally revered.

Even creative legends like Beethoven misjudged their work’s impact. Many of his compositions dismissed by him were later considered masterpieces by critics. Thus, producing more ideas, regardless of judgment, is key to unlocking genius.

Examples

• Picasso created over 50,000 artworks, including ceramics and sculptures.
• Beethoven underestimated 33% of his own renowned compositions.
• Scientists and writers also generate numerous trials before achieving success.

3. Procrastination sparks original thinking

Procrastination often gets a bad rap, but it can foster creativity. Delayed action allows the mind to consider multiple perspectives and connect unrelated ideas. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" line resulted when he improvised mid-speech, inspired by gospel singer Mahalia Jackson's plea. His unpolished preparation set his mind free to innovate during delivery.

Leonardo da Vinci famously procrastinated for years on the Mona Lisa. This extended timeline allowed him to refine techniques and experiment, leading to innovations never before seen in visual artistry. Psychologists refer to this as the Zeigarnik effect, where unfinished work keeps the mind engaged longer, which boosts creativity.

Calculated breaks and detours can refresh and improve your work’s outcome, especially if they’re purposeful rather than borne of avoidance.

Examples

• Martin Luther King Jr.’s "I Have a Dream" line emerged spontaneously.
• Leonardo da Vinci took 16 years to finish the Mona Lisa.
• Procrastination allows the Zeigarnik effect to help foster breakthroughs.

4. Highlighting flaws wins support

Being upfront about weaknesses strengthens credibility. When pitching innovative concepts, audiences expect overly optimistic sales pitches. However, addressing drawbacks makes you appear more trustworthy and prepares listeners to focus on the potential benefits.

Entrepreneurs Rufus Griscom and Alisa Volkman embraced this strategy when promoting their online parenting platform, Babble. By admitting its weak points, such as poor user engagement and technical flaws, they gained investors' trust. This candid approach led to millions in funding and a Disney acquisition in 2011. Being transparent may feel counterintuitive, but it builds long-lasting confidence.

Acknowledging challenges minimizes resistance and fosters faith in your ideas by demonstrating realism and confidence.

Examples

• Rufus Griscom’s pitch highlighted Babble’s flaws and earned $3.3M in funding.
• Acknowledging weaknesses leads to collaborative problem-solving.
• Honest pitches inspire greater trust from skeptics.

5. Repeat ideas to make them stick

New concepts often evoke skepticism, but familiarity can shift perspectives. The mere exposure effect demonstrates that repeated exposure to an idea reduces resistance. Consistently reintroducing concepts makes even unorthodox solutions feel acceptable over time.

Disney's The Lion King faced opposition initially due to its dark storyline. By comparing the script to Shakespearean classics like Hamlet, writers bridged connections to an established tradition. This reframing convinced hesitant producers, turning the film into a global success. To win support, link novel ideas to relatable frameworks while reiterating points patiently.

Persistence and familiarity turn the unfamiliar into the acceptable.

Examples

• The Lion King secured approval with Shakespearean comparisons.
• Repeated exposure helps teams get comfortable with risky solutions.
• Familiar framing transforms bold concepts into widely embraced ideas.

6. Collaborators who disagree drive growth

Criticism can propel innovation. Teams improve when diverse viewpoints challenge consensus. Psychologist Charlan Nemeth’s research revealed that introducing a minority perspective forces groups to evaluate alternatives thoughtfully.

Ben Kohlmann's naval innovation team intentionally included officers known for challenging authority. This deliberate clash of opinions spurred out-of-the-box ideas, like using 3D printers on naval ships. Seeking critics not only strengthens your work but also eliminates groupthink—the tendency to agree passively to avoid conflict.

Disagreement isn’t about creating chaos; it’s about ensuring the end result is better through constructive challenge.

Examples

• Charlan Nemeth’s research proved minority perspectives improved decisions.
• Ben Kohlmann encouraged criticism in naval collaboration.
• Constructively disruptive thinkers break groupthink for stronger outcomes.

7. A subtle approach to radical ideas works best

Not all audiences accept bold ideas outright. To gain allies, frame radical innovations in less threatening terms by connecting them to familiar values. Meredith Perry faced rejection for her wireless charging ideas until she altered her pitch to highlight its minor technological aspects.

By downplaying the "impossible" and emphasizing relatable improvements, she gained traction. This strategy, often called the Trojan horse tactic, encourages acceptance of challenging ideas while minimizing initial pushback.

Sometimes it’s not the idea that needs fixing—it’s how you present it.

Examples

• Meredith Perry reframed her wireless charging vision to win support.
• Trojan horse tactics make bold innovations less intimidating.
• Connecting ideas to shared values breaks skepticism into collaboration.

8. Emotional appeals bring people on board

Emotion communicates your passion and vision more deeply than facts alone can. Martin Luther King Jr.'s improvisational delivery mixed eloquence with vivid imagery, motivating millions during his speech. Similarly, creators who articulate optimism inspire those around them.

Enthusiasm isn’t just an add-on—it’s a magnet drawing others toward you. To compel action, infuse proposals with humanity and shared dreams, not just technical data.

Examples

• King’s emotional conviction moved audiences beyond mere logic.
• Appealing to collective dreams wins hearts and minds effectively.
• Emotional investment fuels unity even for complex projects.

9. Broaden idea-generation with openness

Great creators actively engage with foreign concepts beyond their primary fields. Exploring contrasting disciplines nurtures mental flexibility and drives innovation. Pablo Picasso famously drew inspiration not only from fine art but also African styles reinterpreted through modernist lenses.

When you surround yourself with diverse experiences or companions, your ideas broaden. Intersecting perspectives create breakthroughs impossible within a single mindset. Disneyland’s ride innovations stemmed equally from engineering and storytelling collaboration.

Stay curious, seek unexpected combinations, and look outward for creative fuel.

Examples

• Picasso’s cross-cultural inspirations enriched modernist art.
• Disneyland integrates both technical and narrative teamwork.
• New perspectives catalyze unexpected originality.

Takeaways

1. Generate more ideas without worrying about perfection—quantity helps uncover breakthroughs.
2. Surround yourself with critical thinkers who challenge your assumptions—they’ll make your ideas better.
3. Frame your concepts in familiar, accessible ways to gain support from even skeptical audiences.