We tend to persuade ourselves that we have no choice but to “go along to get along” by placing the blame on systems that are larger than us.
We:
– don’t want to look stupid
– try to fit in
– give into cynicism
– fall into the trap of conforming
– settle for more of the same
NON-CONFORMISTS = CHANGEMAKERS
From housing to youth mental health to climate action to safe access to everyday places for everyone, we need more non-conforming to bring change to northern Michigan.
Enter ordinary people willing to think and differently for innovative, collective, causal solutions.
Ordinary people willing to:
– do what’s right, not what’s easy
– dare to act on dreams of change
– stay true to their core values
– strive for better
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” ~ Dr. Suess
PLAYING THE LONG GAME
What conformity traps do you see in your community?
How will you summon the courage necessary to avoid these traps?
To avoid conformity traps, it’s essential to:
– identify your moral core
– be crystal clear on what you are trying to do
– embrace the awkwardness of turning right when everyone goes left
Instead of always going along to get along, let’s play the long game together to do things the right way — to pursue what we know is true.
“A man must consider what a rich realm he abdicates when he becomes a conformist.” ~ Emerson
Keep learning.
Keep asking why.
Keep rejecting conformity.
Keep avoiding the trap of business as usual.
Keep imagining better.
Keep going.
We’re counting on you.
Good Works Lab 