A Life Changer

By Ellen Witt

Let’s think back in history – we know Chirstopher Columbus, Charles Darwin, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and the latest Steve Jobs. Each of these men has a reputation of being a world-changing, mind-blowing, paradigm-shifting, crazy genius. Even with all their genius considered, crazy is still an operative word here.

So, let’s challenge ourselves – see if you can name one world-changing genius that our society would not call crazy. Feel free to take your time here…

Now, why was that such a challenge? Is it because our society is too hard on people? Is it because these people are some of the few in our world who are willing to show their true colors? Or, maybe it’s a little bit of both?

These thinkers, explorers, creators, inventors, artists and designers are the ones who are not afraid of what people might think when they speak their outlandish thoughts – even when they are well-aware those thoughts might be crazy. They are the ones who question everything they know with opposing thoughts and ideas. They are the ones who do not accept fact for fact without thinking twice. They are the idea makers, and they have a history of being non-conformists and socially ostracized.

Now, listen to Brené Brown. In the video below, she speaks at TedXHouston on vulnerability being the key to a life filled with success and happiness, as well as vulnerability being the birth place of new ideas and creativity.

There are all sorts of jokes about the vulnerable artists of our world. But can we say the same thing about all innovative creators? Is vulnerability the first step to opening yourself up to changing the world?

Whether you think so or not, this video just might change you. If you are like me, you will probably bookmark it, share it and watch it again. It might inspire you to change your life perspecitve, rethink your every day actions and analyze the way you treat yourself. And if you’re really lucky, it might entice you to free that crazy genius inside yourself.

Don’t wait. Watch.