Last Wednesday while I was teaching my first visual thinking Webinar, attended by people from all over the world, I was asked, “Where did you get your formal training? Where did you go to school to learn all that you know?”
This seems like a straight forward question, but I was challenged to give an answer that people could understand, since I stopped going to formal school in the middle of my sophomore year of High School. That was the last time I was a part of the traditional educational system that the majority of us have grown up with.
My answer to the question took a while to process before I responded: “I have learned what I know through trial and error, carving my own path, engaging mentors, synthesizing ideas and methods, and having a willingness to try things that are uncomfortable. I have a strong “nothing can stop me attitude.”
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” T.S. Eliot
Being self-made has presented me with numerous challenges, because many people do not understand and know how to embrace a person who has not gone through public or private schools using our traditional educational methods. There is always the question, “How can I have achieved so much and be where I am today without going to school?
Here is how. I am willing to try. In fact, I not only try, I do whatever it takes to move “the try” to the next level. As I have started up numerous companies and worked with people in the non-profit sector, businesses, education, and the political arena, I have learned what I needed to know. I simply will “never give up” in the pursuit of the knowledge that I need to be successful in whatever I do.
“Get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study. Be a student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life.” Henry L. Doherty
Now, let’s look at the situation that we find ourselves in today, not only in this country, but all over the world. If we take in what is happening in the world today, it becomes evident that most people are walking around with a very narrow view of what is possible. They are afraid that if they step outside their self imposed barricades that they might look bad. What would their friends and family think if they failed? What would their community think if they showed up looking or acting different?
Like it or not, this is part of what our western society teaches us. The power of conformity, narrow views, and limited potential. This type of thinking and behavior has a tendency to lead down a path of pent-up anger, frustration, and narcissism. Sound familiar?
Many of us have been programmed to hold ourselves back. Our programming starts at an early age as we are told to hold back our tears and not laugh too hard out of the fear that we might get noticed or look weak. What is this about? Could it be that this programming is what is causing so much depression in our society?
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Somehow I got lucky. I have avoided much of the societal programming and negative kudzu that grows over many of us. Moving through twelve schools by the time I was a Sophomore in High School meant that very little of this type of programming that begins when we are very young had the chance to take root, and as a result I became a highly creative human being. It is against significant odds that I have been able to create such a meaningful life. If I can do it, so can you.
My challenge has been to survive in a sea of conformity and an ordinary world that wants to embrace highly creative people and at the same time wants to hide them away because they are outside the collective narrow view. Everyday continues to show me opportunities to learn and overcome.
“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.”
Mark Twain
Your challenge is to break-out-of-your-box, expand your view, and liberate yourself from the programming of a lifetime so you can become the person you are meant to be, the person who is willing to try something new even when it feels uncomfortable.
When you start to shift your thinking everything starts to change, which is a good thing. It takes practice and persistence. It is time for all of us to come alive and let go our controlling ways to reach for something more, our full potential. You can do it!
“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to success is more important than any other one thing.” Abraham Lincoln
Go ahead and give it a try.
Let me know what you think.
Until next week, remember the only boxes that exist are the ones you create yourself.