Radical ideas are unpopular at first and require from us an irrational degree of belief and an unreasonable amount of dedication.
If we are going to do work that is creative, innovative, and meaningful, we must look past the opinions and preferences of the crowd. We must focus in on what they are missing, trusting our instincts about what is important, and then magnify and amplify that small thing others seem to be overlooking.
Often, this process begins by observing a problem in our lives or in the world around us, a problem that seems to have no solution. If the problem is important enough to us and we are driven to try to solve it, we may discover along the way that others have a similar problem and they may not even know it until the solution is presented.
If the solution we propose is new and unique enough, we will face many doubters. This is only natural. We cannot rely on the belief or support of others in the beginning, but if we persist, as our idea gains traction, others will join us along the way. We must stay strong though. There will always be a strong pull toward the perceived safety of consensus. If give into this and we waver too soon, giving in to the fears and doubts of those around us, our idea will die before it was ever given a chance to live.
Holistic Budo: As it is in budo, so too it is in life. As it is in life, so too it is in budo.
-Robert Van Valkenburgh is co-founder of Taikyoku Mind & Body, Severna Park’s Holistic Chamber of Commerce, and Kogen Dojo where he teaches Taikyoku Budo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
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