Comments on: Courageous Individuality

By: Frank Zweegers

Frank Zweegers — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 06:48:08 +0000

It’s interesting to see how people change, just to fit in. Like you mentioned in your example. If there would be more people wanting to stand out, I think it would be a very different society.

The statements you give, ‘What if your greatest potential source of confidence was your expressed indiviuality?’
I mean, who would think of this? But it is true and a powerful statement.

I hope you can help a lot of people with this and your course.

Best regards, Frank
.-= Frank Zweegers´s last blog ..Bijzondere foto expositie bij FOAM Amsterdam =-.

By: Tom Volkar

Tom Volkar — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:02:39 +0000

Simon – Welcome! I agree they are powerful statements. As you’ve probably guessed I get more engagement when I pose them as challenges. Yes you’re right, it all begins with discovery and what most folks don’t realize is that is primarily an inner mission.

By: Simon Hay

Simon Hay — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:29:18 +0000

Hi Tom. I love these questions: What if your greatest potential source of confidence was your expressed individuality?
What if your greatest way to make more money was also your greatest way to make a difference?

These should be statements and not questions. Every one of us is unique, and we should never confirm to being average. Most of us have no identity because we have no sense of who we are. We have become the stranger that we invite home. Our businesses are only reflections of ourselves. Discovering potential creates change, and potential is limitless.

Cheers, Simon.

By: Tom Volkar

Tom Volkar — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:41:51 +0000

Tony – Welcome! I like your spirit. Keep tooting that horn. Each of us has something special to express and when we do we are indeed in the midst of designing a life and lifestyle that serves us well. That’s found looking within and boldly creating.

By: Tony Papajohn

Tony Papajohn — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:30:37 +0000

Tom, well-said! If there is anything too many of us avoid too often it is thinking for ourselves. And this is one reason why the “hyped up marketers” to which you refer make a bunch of sales. The reality is that one of these systems may have worked for a time “back in the day.” However, as one trusts one’s own vision and, as I like to say, stands on one’s own inner space, one builds a life and a success that is perfectly suited to who one is and the beliefs one holds.

Then the business activity in which one engages has meaning and resonance that make the money all the sweeter.

By: Tom Volkar

Tom Volkar — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:37:12 +0000

Hulbert – Yes being distinct is key so we all must do exactly the opposite of conformity. Stand out to serve is my motto. Otherwise we just fade away in a sea of mediocrity.

Laurie – You continue to be the poster child for creating a business that is exactly what you want and need to thrive within. You are doing well because you are aligned and because your heat has always been in the right place form day one. I’m honored to have inspired you and to be inspired by you.

Barb – I have no doubt that you do not hesitate to speak your mind. yes I agree. it’s too bad that when the economy goes to hell all the rut-thinking political types scream for more jobs – when they ought to be encouraging more entrepreneurs.

By: Barb Hartsook

Barb Hartsook — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:31:33 +0000

We are all so different. For some, serving means to be second in charge, not the boss. And entrepreneurs can often get so overwhelmed that they need help to provide what it is they provide.

So I don’t see dismissing the role of employee as nonessential. Many jobs call for creative thinking and strategizing — involving courage and individuality.

What I do see though, is more entrepreneurship thriving in a society that allows it and doesn’t tax it to death. I think that’s just plain exciting!

If I were to work for someone, I’d want him/her to hire me for my creativity, and then give me wide berth in expressing it.

About the pizza — I’m easy to get along with. But given my druthers, I’ll take mushrooms and green peppers and pepperoni and extra cheese. Mmmmmm……
.-= Barb Hartsook´s last blog ..Learning Changes Us… or Does It? =-.

By: Laurie

Laurie — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:59:27 +0000

Tom- You are so on target! The best thing I ever did was create a product that is totally me! I LOVE what I am doing and it is going so well. We are totally book until the the state science testing April 30. We are expanding for next year by creating another canyon so we will be running 2 canyons and one earth. I am writing another science curriculum book, this time for 5th grade stations. I am sending a proposal to an education publisher this week. I have never felt so on target myself. I feel alive and am making a difference! I am very blessed…… I wish you could see our program! You would love it!

By: Hulbert

Hulbert — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:40:01 +0000

Great post Tom. I like your example of the girl and the pizza. If a stranger or someone I didn’t know too well asked me what I wanted on my pizza, I would also respond with something like, “Uh… what do you want?” But if my family asks me what I want, I’ll respond with, “Pepperoni and sausages.”

In business though, everybody is a stranger, and you’re not going to be as direct or opinionated as you are with your family. That’s why I agree with you we shouldn’t go with what everything thinks is right, but should express our own individual views, even if they are different.
.-= Hulbert´s last blog ..Jay Leno and Nice =-.

By: Tom Volkar

Tom Volkar — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:30:58 +0000

Sandy – Welcome! That’s beautiful. Thank you for sharing it. You’ve proven that we can act more boldly once we have clarity and inspiration. Go forth and make it happen and be sure to return here and tell us how it’s going for you.