Being uncommon means…

written by Kent Healy

⇒08 Mar 2011

I don’t believe anyone sets out in life to be mediocre, ordinary, or “common.” Deep down, we desire more than that, but all too often we give in to the weight of social obligations, others’ expectations, personal fears, and the allure of low hanging fruit.

It goes without saying that “settling” is the choice of least resistance and therefore, the path of the common folk. But despite the odds, there are always some who stand boldly in the face of life’s challenges and temptations. Not surprisingly, they achieve the extraordinary and become exceptional.

It’s not difficult, nor worthwhile, to list the ingredients of the common life. But it’s always beneficial to explore the anatomy of life’s inspirational anomalies. In a few short minutes, I came up with 53 different, but complimentary, factors of a remarkable person.

Among many things, being uncommon means…

Looking at the same things everyone else sees and thinking something different
Seeking adventure over comfort and convenience
Testing common assumptions
Nurturing relentless curiosity
Accepting responsibility
Understanding that reality is shaped by our perception of it
Keeping your word
Constantly learning
Noticing patterns
Learning from losses
Eating right
Exiting your comfort zone regularly
Understanding that direction trumps distance
Seeking the unknown
Being resourceful
Understanding that failure is not trying
Creating opportunity, not waiting for it
Looking for value
Adding value
Asking, “Why?”
Asking, “Why not?”
Cultivating creativity
Seeking input from your opposites
Knowing what you stand for and what you don’t. And then taking the stand
Letting go of the past to shape the future
Candidly and regularly assessing your actions and results
Knowing the difference between being busy and being productive
Taking one additional step when others don’t
Understanding that motivation is temporary, but purpose is enduring
Asking for support
Understanding that the best defense is often listening
Appreciating victories, even the small ones
Resisting the urge to do what is easy over what is right
Choosing your battles
Working smart trumps working hard (But still being prepared to bust your ass)
Understanding that character is your best marketing
Sharing your time with those you care about
Embracing fear as a companion, not an enemy
Caring for your body, mind, and spirit (yes, all three)
Understanding that failure is a temporary event, not a trait
Saving and giving money
Traveling often
Being yourself
Beginning with the end in mind
Thinking locally and globally
Being immersed in the present, but vested in the future
Giving spontaneous compliments and consistent support
Creating something that outlives you
Being able to laugh at yourself, before passing judgment
Understanding that your beliefs precede our actions
Listening to feedback, but following your intuition
Caring (so much meaning in one word)
And most importantly… taking action towards the things that matter most to you

Now for the big question…

What does being “uncommon” mean to you?

I sense this list could grow to be much, much longer. I (and many other readers) would love to get your thoughts below.

Be uncommon,

- Kent

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This entry was posted in ALL posts, Practical Philosophy and tagged avoid the ordinary, be exceptional, be remarkable, be uncommon, don't settle, giving in, how to be uncommon, path of least resistance. Bookmark the permalink.

13 Responses to Being uncommon means…

Joseph Stafford: February 7, 2013 at 1:47 pm

I could write an essay on this but for me as a dad and conscious disciple of living the values of an uncommon life I’ll sum it up through an easy lesson I have nurtured into my 5yr old twin boys.

Everyday since they were born I have walked them in their buggy and they have watched me pick up litter that finds itself in our path. From the time they could walk they would jump out of the buggy and run up and pick up that aluminum can, that glass bottle but most critically any plastic and pop it into the luggage space in the buggy. We have all endured stares from perplexed adults and now 5 they continue on unperturbed by the quips from kids their age biking past. They always knew that they are mother natures super-rangers and thats the purpose that drives them. My point?

While common ideology may be NOT to litter, uncommon ideology will be to pick up other peoples litter, happily.

Reply
- Kent Healy: February 7, 2013 at 2:09 pm
  
  Great story Joseph. Definitely an uncommon approach to life and a great way to teach someone to be solution oriented. Few things direct our behavior and lives more than values and beliefs. Sounds like you’re doing a great job designing both in ways that will benefit both your kids and the world.
Yuriy: February 1, 2013 at 11:57 pm

Recently read Zig Ziglar’s book and this one recurring theme came to mind – “Ask for the order.”

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Heather: September 25, 2012 at 12:40 pm

Wow! What wonderful insight! This information is so incredibly aligned with the things I am practicing in my life. For so long I thought success was really just a matter of back breaking work, luck, and competition. I have realized that when I have something special and unique to offer the world that my passion and creativity take over and work doesn’t even feel like work anymore. I love the points you made about not settling for the “low hanging fruit” as well. When humans tap into that creative power of the universe we are capable of INCREDIBLE things!! THANK YOU KENT!

Reply
- Kent Healy: September 25, 2012 at 8:23 pm
  
  Thank you Heather. Glad you enjoyed the article. Here’s to an uncommon life!
Janice Baca: August 16, 2011 at 7:02 pm

Being uncommon is accepting and embracing change.

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Andrew Hewitt: March 20, 2011 at 4:23 pm

Love the list Kent!

I think being uncommon means that even in the face of fear, with the chance of rejection, and having received the “good” opinions of others, you follow your heart and do what you feel inspired to do—always.

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Claire Meredith: March 9, 2011 at 11:50 am

I like this post, it encapsulates so many of the ideas that I’ve wanted to be developing in myself, having seen examples of other people acting on it. It’s very simple and means so much more when you see it happen in your own life!

I think it’s so difficult for people to be able to see the potential of being uncommon because they don’t believe they have anything to give. The reverse is true but it’s hard to see if you are in that position.

Thanks for another great post Kent.

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Jason: March 8, 2011 at 3:18 pm

Maybe I am uncommon in that I really enjoy living a common life. Hahahaha. I always saw picking up the low hanging fruit as a good thing. Like how water flows. But, I also kind of view that as the heaven’s way of guiding me through life. I think sometimes the problem is the low hanging fruit is right there for the taking and I completely miss it becuase I to busy trying to get that other piece of fruit over there. People don’t appreciate low hanging fruit enough. I always been happy with my fruit. Is there really somthing wrong with striving to be common? As long as you are happy? I think this idea that we need to be extraordinary some how takes away from all the great common things you are right now. For me, common job, common family… Are wonderful things I really enjoy-

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- Kent Healy: March 9, 2011 at 9:39 am
  
  Jason: In the end, what matters most is pursuing what matters most to you. Unfortunately, it seems, not many people do that. So, in some way, perhaps living on terms that are best for you is representative of the uncommon. Being genuinely satisfied with life is quite rare (ie: uncommon). A stretch? I guess that’s your call.
Preeti: March 8, 2011 at 8:01 am

Great post, this is awesome inspiration, it’s given me a little kick to better my myself and my actions!
I would say being uncommon means working to the best of your own abilities and never comparing yourself to anyone else; knowing that you can bring something unique to every perspective and situation, oh and definitely play as hard as you work

Reply
- Kent Healy: March 8, 2011 at 9:10 am
  
  Hi Preeti. Glad you found the post inspirational. I like your idea of inward assessment vs outward comparison. Thanks for sharing.