The Originality Paradox

Dear Seeker,

Ever caught yourself in a meeting, about to share an idea, but then swallowed it because it seemed too out there? You're not alone. Welcome to the Originality Paradox – the tightrope walk between standing out and fitting in that every professional navigates daily.

The Conformity Trap

Let's face it: the corporate world often feels like you're stuck in a giant game of follow-the-leader. Dress like this. Speak like that. Climb the ladder this way. It's as if there's an unwritten rulebook, and everyone's expected to play by it. Exhausting, isn't it?

And here's the kicker: While we're all trying to perfect this corporate choreography, the business world is actually screaming for innovation and out-of-the-box thinking. It's like being told to dance in perfect unison while simultaneously being judged on your unique style.

The struggle to blend in while yearning to stand out. It's like being a chameleon in a rainbow factory; you can match any colour, but what's your true shade?

This is the heart of the Conformity Trap – a paradoxical demand to fit in and stand out at the same time. It's enough to make anyone's head spin faster than a corporate PowerPoint transition.

So how do we navigate this colourful chaos and find our true shade? It starts with understanding the power of originality.

The Power of Originality

Originality isn't just about being different; it's about being authentically you. It's the unique combination of your experiences, perspectives, and innate qualities that make you irreplaceable.

In the professional world, your originality is your greatest asset. It's what sets you apart in a sea of similar resumes and identical job descriptions. It's the spark that ignites innovation and drives meaningful change.

Dharma: Aligning with Your True Nature

To understand originality, we must delve into the ancient Indian concept of Dharma. Often misunderstood as a religious doctrine, Dharma actually refers to the inherent nature of a thing. Just as fire's dharma is to burn and water's is to flow, each of us has our own unique dharma – our authentic self and our purpose is to fulfil our dharma.

Discovering your Dharma requires deep self-reflection and a willingness to question the status quo. It's about peeling back the layers of societal conditioning to reveal your true nature. 

Now, let's talk about Dharma in a way that actually matters to your 9-to-5 (or let's be honest, your 8-to-8). Dharma is simply about being in sync with your true nature. It's like finding the right outfit – when it fits, you just know. You're comfortable, confident, and ready to take on the world.

In the professional context, It's about finding that sweet spot where your skills, passions, and the market's needs intersect. It's where work doesn't feel like work (well, most of the time). When you're aligned with your dharma, you're innovating, problem-solving, and thriving in ways that feel natural and energizing.

The Originality-Purpose Connection

Here's a thought: What if your quirks are actually your superpowers? Welcome to the realm of "Quirk-Powered Professionalism."

When you align with your originality, you naturally align with your purpose. It's like finding the perfect groove where your unique talents meet the world's needs. This alignment brings a sense of fulfilment that no external achievement can match.

Take Elon Musk (love him or hate him). His oddball thinking and obsession with space (or maybe the obsession with redefining the definitions of limits) didn't exactly scream future business tycoon. But by embracing his unique self and vision, he's redefined entire industries.

You don't need to be Elon to make an impact. Maybe your obsession with true crime podcasts makes you the best at spotting inconsistencies in reports. Or your hobby of brewing craft beer gives you unique insights into consumer trends. That's Quirk-Powered Professionalism in action!

Philosophy of Authenticity

The quest for authenticity has been a central theme in philosophy for centuries. Friedrich Nietzsche challenged us to become who you are, suggesting that authenticity is not about discovering a fixed self, but about continually creating ourselves.

Existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre took this further, arguing that we are condemned to be free – that we have the responsibility to create our own essence through our choices and actions. This perspective empowers us to actively shape our originality rather than passively accepting a predetermined identity.

My version falls somewhere in between, it’s exploring the journey of self-discovery first, and then learning to embrace the constantly evolving nature of the self.

The "Be Yourself" Paradox

We've all heard the advice: Just be yourself! But in the corporate maze, that's easier said than done. Which self should you be? The one that binge-watches Netflix (and chills) or the one that dreams of revolutionizing your industry?

Here's the truth: Your authentic self isn't something you create from scratch. It's already there, waiting to be uncovered. Think of it as Originality Archaeology – the process of excavating your true nature from beneath layers of societal expectations, conditioning, and professional norms.

This journey of self-discovery is what I call Dharma Navigation – the ongoing process of aligning your actions with your innate qualities, deepest values, and natural inclinations. It's not about becoming someone new, but about revealing and embracing who you've always been at your core. Your task isn't to invent an authentic self but to have the courage to let your true self shine in your life.

So, how do you navigate this paradox? Start by listening to your inner voice – those whispers of excitement when you're truly engaged in a task, the feelings of alignment when your work resonates with your values. These are clues to your authentic self, signposts on your journey of Dharma Navigation.

Unleash Your Inner Weirdo (Professionally)

Ready to embrace your quirks and find your Dharma? Here are some Originality Archaeology Exercises to get you started:

1. The Weird Skill Audit:

   • List 10 unusual skills or knowledge areas you have (e.g., knowing all the lyrics to '90s songs, being able to fold perfect origami birds).

   • For each, brainstorm how it might apply to a work challenge. Get creative!

2. The Passion-Problem Speed dating:

   • Identify three persistent problems in your workplace.

   • List your top five personal passions or hobbies.

   • Play matchmaker: How might your passions offer unique solutions to these problems? Look for connections, inspirations, or correlations.

3. The Metaphor Matchmaking:

   • Choose a current work project.

   • Think of an unrelated personal interest (e.g., gardening, rock climbing, cooking).

   • Draw metaphors from this interest to gain new perspectives on your project.

4. Recommended Read: 

   • Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant.

   • This book offers fascinating insights into how embracing our unique perspectives can lead to groundbreaking innovations.

The Bottom Line

In a world of corporate clones, your originality isn't just an asset – it's a necessity. It's the antidote to AI replacing your job, the key to solving problems no one else can, and frankly, it's the only way to avoid dying of boredom in your cubicle.

So, next time you're about to stifle that weird idea, pause. Take a breath. And ask yourself: What would happen if I actually said this out loud?

Remember to embrace your professional plot twists, activate your originality, and let your quirks power your success. Your Dharma – and your next big breakthrough – await!

love,

aayush

Hustle peacefully!