I want to start this one off with one of my favorite quotes about being unique. This quote just so happens to end with a statement about changing the world.
“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” – Rob Siltanen
The main reason I love this quote is the short pointed statements that stand out and everybody can identify with somehow. The other reason I love this quote is the truth it possesses about change. The fact of the matter is that you cannot be a driving force if you’re not different in some way. In order for a force to cause an action it must be stronger and moving in a different direction of the existing forces. If you are the same as everyone else, you cannot be a driving force.
I think everybody imagines changing the world in some way at some point in their lives. I don’t believe anyone is okay being mediocre throughout their entire lives. We all make choices and do things that make us “the best” at something. But the truth is, there’s always going to be someone better than you, faster than you, stronger than you, etc. This person may be walking on this earth with you now, or they may have been here already, or they may be here in the future. Regardless, “the best” is not an eternal thing. However, there is something you can do with what you’re “the best” at.
In order to be a change in the world, you need to start with something you’re good at. Figure out what you’re good at and what you love. Being good at something doesn’t take you anywhere if you don’t care about using it. Caring about something doesn’t take you as far if you’re only okay at it. However, finding something that you’re both good at and passionate about will take you very far. It might take some soul searching to figure out what it is that perfectly merges talent and interest for you. I believe everyone can find it, and utilize it. So figure out what makes you the round peg in the square hole that changes the world.
She’s Got a Whole PhD 