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Book 26/52 of My #52Books52Weeks Bucket List Challenge

I’ve always been fascinated by what makes some people disrupt industries, challenge the status quo, and create world-changing ideas—while others settle for the way things have always been done. Originals by Adam Grant dives into exactly that.

I expected this book to be about creativity, but it turned out to be so much more. It challenged me to think about how risk-taking, questioning norms, and even strategic procrastination can lead to innovation.

Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and top-rated Wharton professor, breaks down what separates "Originals"—people who drive change—from the rest of the pack. His research is eye-opening, backed by real-world examples from entrepreneurs, artists, and business leaders who have challenged conventional wisdom and succeeded.

Key Concepts from Originals

1. Originals Are Not Always First Movers

• Contrary to popular belief, being first isn’t always an advantage.

• "First-mover advantage" is often overrated—many of the most successful people (like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk) entered markets later but outperformed their competitors.

• Lesson: It’s not about being first; it’s about being better, smarter, and more strategic.

2. Strategic Procrastination Can Boost Creativity

• This was a big one for me! Waiting until the last minute can sometimes fuel more innovative ideas.

• Grant’s research found that some of the most original thinkers let ideas "simmer" before taking action.

• Lesson: Sometimes delaying action gives your brain time to explore new angles.

3. Risk-Taking is Not All or Nothing

• People assume successful innovators take massive risks, but in reality, they hedge their bets.

• The best Originals balance bold moves with calculated safety nets.

• Example: Entrepreneurs like Sara Blakely (Spanx) and Jeff Bezos (Amazon) kept their day jobs while building their businesses.

• Lesson: You don’t have to "burn the boats"—mitigating risk can actually increase your chances of success.

4. Challenge the Default – Just Because It's "Normal" Doesn’t Mean It’s Right

• Many groundbreaking ideas challenge the status quo.

• The biggest disruptors don’t just accept "the way things are"—they ask, "How could this be better?"

• Lesson: If something isn’t working, question it. The best ideas often come from challenging outdated systems.

5. Speak Up – Even If It’s Uncomfortable

• The fear of speaking up holds so many people back.

• Grant shares how successful non-conformists express their ideas, handle criticism, and get people on board with change.

• Lesson: If you want to make an impact, you have to share your ideas—even when it’s uncomfortable.

How Originals Relates to Living a Bucket List Life

1. Think Differently & Challenge the Norm – If you want to live an extraordinary life, you can’t follow the crowd. Originals create their own path.

2. Don’t Rush the Process – Let Ideas Develop – Great things take time to form. Let your ideas marinate before jumping into execution.

3. Balance Risk with Smart Strategy – Taking action is important, but you don’t have to gamble everything. A calculated approach works best.

4. Speak Up & Stand Out – Want to make a real impact? Be willing to share your ideas, even if they’re unpopular.

5. Being "First" Isn’t Always an Advantage – Focus on being better, not just faster.

Originals was an eye-opening read that challenged the way I think about risk, creativity, and success. If you want to push boundaries, make a bigger impact, and challenge conventional thinking, I highly recommend this book.

Stay tuned for Book 27 of 52 as I continue this adventure of learning and growth!

#BucketListLife #UltimateChallenge #52Books52Weeks

What sets world-changers apart from those who follow the status quo?

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