What does it mean to break the mold? Why should it matter to you? I’ll define the concept and explain how to get started and improve your mindset.
I’ve also written another post about my personal experiences on how I broke the mold. You can read it here.
Be Assertive and Specific, Not Vague
Most people are afraid to step out of their comfort zone but they’ll say things like “I’m woke/unique/original/open-minded/insert some other vague quality.” Yet I see the same people do the opposite and when they’re met with an opposing viewpoint or a narrative different from the mainstream they usually spit on valid points, then ignore suggested solutions, and continue to be pissed off. They’ll also say things like “I can’t talk to bigots if they’re not willing to be open-minded.” But is this really open-minded? It’s not helping you expand your mindset if you dismiss opposing views and don’t even bother to improve your way of thinking, but rather stay within the comfort of people who don’t know basic dialogue or logic and reason.
No I’m calling you stupid. There’s a difference between stupid and ignorant, the former meaning you’ve been presented ways to improve but refuse because you don’t want to admit being wrong. Ignorant means not knowing any better. It’s ok to be ignorant.
Take Calculated Risks
Another component of breaking the mold is taking calculated risks. Take job opportunities where you’re able to find ways to improve a business. It’s easier to suggest major improvements if you’re working for a startup, a small business, rather than a big company like a corporation. And the boss and managers are usually more approachable.
If doing the same thing as everyone else is suppose to set you apart from the crowd then what is individuality? Some people are not suited for mind-numbing busy work that is required to earn a degree, and it doesn’t get you any further in life (this is assuming the degree isn’t related to medicine, law, accounting, etc). Meaningful work that can be applied to the real world outside of academia gets you places, like how I applied for a job at Tesla’s Gigafactory and got in because I had work projects to show.
Just keep in mind that there is always another option. You have plenty of choices and paths to choose from thanks to the free market (individuals acting, trading, creating goods and services freely without government interference) providing solutions in response to people like you. Search for these solutions and if you don’t know where to look network, go to events related to your interests.
Learning was never meant to be comfortable, get out of your comfort zone and face reality. That’s how you start breaking the mold.