Every entrepreneur, artist, inventor, warrior and explorer must be a little mad.
It takes someone just a slight bit off - someone a bit weird, unusual or odd - to lead without permission.
There’s no good reason to go against the grain, to try something that might not work, or to stand up and take ownership over your actions and results.
Instigating is completely inadvisable.
And because it’s inadvisable, nobody is doing it – at least nobody in their right mind.
And that’s exactly why we need it.
If the instigator wasn't mad he wouldn't set audacious goals, he wouldn't limit his options, and he wouldn't start for no other reason than “because.”
And he wouldn't be an instigator.
Without the instigator, we wouldn't have miraculous charities, inconceivable books, or incredible breweries.
Without the instigator, we wouldn't have change, growth or improvement.
And without madness, we wouldn't have the instigator.
So go on, be a little weird, be slightly off, be a bit mad.
We need it.
If he waits for the ideal moment, he will never set off. The Warrior requires a touch of madness to take the next step. [Paulo Coelho]
It's good to know I'm not alone in my madness. 😛 This reminds me of the recent webinar with Jonathan Mead, where he talks about the irrationality of going against the grain.
I think true madness lies in doing the same thing repeatedly, and expecting different results. (That's a quote... can't remember who said it though.)
History shows us over and over that innovation breeds evolution, and true growth. We have this potential in us that's locked because society blinds us to it. It's scary to stand out and appear "mad" but it's liberating to break free from all expectations (from both others and ourselves)... and just do it.
And with that said, I'm off to write! Thanks for giving me a lot to think about. 🙂
Lehua
Lehua, thanks so much for taking the time to read, contemplate and reply!
Yes - I think when people talk about madness in terms of being 'insane', that quote is true (the part about doing something over and over again and expecting different results). When I use the word, I merely mean that intense, passionate, and sometimes irrational state of being that compels us to create in the first place 🙂
Thanks so much for such a thoughtful comment! It's back to writing for me too now!
- Tom