Originals. By Adam Grant

“The starting point is curiosity: pondering why the default exists in the first place.”

Adam Grant, Originals

Authenticity. 

We hear this word a lot in today’s world. 

Be authentic. Be original. Be real. Be yourself. (Every time I hear the words, “be yourself” I can’t help but hear Robin Williams’s voice through the bee in Aladdin.)

But what does that actually mean—be authentic?

Adam Grant masterfully provides context to those who the world would call “original” in this book—a compilation of stories and events that changed the world, both in business and in the world of democracy.

I’m always amazed at the stories hidden in these books, not unlike what Adam Grant compiled in Originals. We truly do live in a world with amazing people, accomplishing amazing things. They are stories that would never hit the front page of the newspaper, but are examples of the life we desire to live.

When I read I am inspired and challenged by the stories of seemingly ordinary people, doing extraordinary things in ordinary life.

And in every book, there’s gold for my life right now—and there’s gold for you.

It can be hard to share I’ve read 14 books already this year (as of March 4)—that’s more than one book a week. The shortest was the short tale of Animal farm. The longest is The Fellowship of the Ring at just under 400 pages. Why is it hard? Because you might wonder if I’m even getting anything from the books I’m reading.

You’re right. When I read, there’s no way I’ll catch everything the author puts in the pages, but there’s always two things I get from every book. The first, is the one thing that grows me personally or professionally. Every business or sociologist or leadership book has a handful of action steps spurring the reader on to live out what’s being said. I always find something for how I can better my marriage, our family, my workplace. And then, there’s the tone of the book. I take away the tone of hope, story, adventure, fear (a healthy fear), or perspective.

What did I walk away with from Originals? There’s a tone of curiosity, of discovery, of taking risks that invites the reader into stepping outside of the norm to discover the possible. I love the invitation for the art of the possible. It’s non-conformist for the health and growth of everyone around. It’s non-conformity for the sake of non-conformity.

There’s a purpose in exploring outside of the box. And I naturally am curious enough to ask the question why. I’ve had to learn how to ask that question of why, and even Greg Voss talks about when we ask how or what questions, it’s better received. Why attacks our convictions. How and what invite collaboration. 

And in every book, there’s gold for my life right now—and there’s gold for you.

I know that my non-conformity has ruffled many feathers in my career. Some with repercussions I know about, some I will never know. I’m learning how to use and channel my curiosity for the possible to invite others along into the collaboration and discovery of something new.

Adam Grant presents a warning in this book for the challenge of business leadership. He mentions the fear of middle-management to not challenge the status quo. I’m not in middle management, but I’ve experienced the fear of middle leaders trying to ride the current so that one day they can ascend the hill of opportunity and inspire others to new heights. What does that mean? They’re afraid to take risks until they finally have the authority to take risks.

As the youngest in my family, I resonated with his information about the youngest taking more risks. I’ve taken a lot of risks—at least according to my family. I never thought of them as risks, they seemed like a fun adventure with a huge upside.

“To be an original, you need to take radical risks.”

Adam Grant

So what did I take away from this book for my own development? 

Keep writing. Keep producing content. Keep showing up in the morning to write blogs, write down ideas. Add more words and sentences to the book I’m writing.

It’s been really helpful to know that creativity spurs more creativity. And creativity eventually resonates with others to inspire.

Not every piece of content will inspire. But there will be one eventually. 

I’ve learned that I write in the mornings, whether it’s a book review like this, or a blog, or even more sentences to my book—it’s been easier and easier to write. 

I don’t always want to write, nor do I feel inspired. But then, about 20 minutes later, I have something I’ve finished. Sometimes its 300 words. And others, 1500 words.

Every word matters. It’s helping me grow and get better in what I want to succeed in.

Not every piece of content will inspire. But there will be one eventually. 

That’s what Originals did for me. It inspired me to keep on keeping on. I have on my whiteboard for this year: Keep showing up. I want to keep showing up and pressing in. I know it’s doing a greater work in me, making me the person I want to become.

It didn’t start out that way, but I know I’m growing. 

And I invite you to do the same. Let’s grow. Let’s write again. Let’s show up. Again. And again. And again.

Would you join me?

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