The Originals Among Us
You know that person who always questions why things are done a certain way? Who speaks up in meetings even when their voice shakes? Who tries something new even though it feels risky?
Turns out, they're not just being difficult. They're originals — and they're the ones who actually change the world Took long enough..
I used to think originals were born, not made. That there was some special gene or personality type that made people like Steve Jobs or Rosa Parks different from the rest of us. But after reading Adam Grant's research, I realized something that shifted how I see almost every innovator I've ever encountered.
Originals aren't the people who never doubt themselves. They're the people who act despite the doubt.
What Originals Actually Are
Let's clear up a misconception right away. Originals aren't necessarily rebels without a cause. They're not always loud or flashy or even particularly charismatic.
An original is someone who questions the status quo and then takes action to change it.
That's it. Two parts: questioning and acting. You can have one without the other, but you need both to be truly original.
The Three Types of Originals
Grant breaks originals down into three categories, and honestly, most of us fit somewhere in the middle:
The Outsiders — These are the people who've been marginalized or excluded from traditional power structures. They see problems that insiders don't. Think of someone like Garrett Morgan, the Black inventor who created the traffic light but couldn't get recognition for years because of racial barriers Small thing, real impact. Which is the point..
The Rebels — These originals challenge authority from within. They're often insiders who've decided the rules don't make sense anymore. Malala Yousafzai fits here — she was educated in the Pakistani school system before she began advocating for girls' education Still holds up..
The Disruptors — These are the people who introduce new ideas that reshape entire industries. Elon Musk comes to mind, though he'd probably argue he's more of an outsider than a disruptor.
But here's what's interesting — most originals don't start as any of these types. They become originals through a process, not a birthright.
Why Originals Matter More Than Ever
We live in a world that simultaneously celebrates and punishes originality. We want innovation, but we also want conformity. We reward creativity, but we punish risk-taking.
This tension creates what Grant calls the "originals paradox": the very qualities that make someone an original also make them vulnerable to backlash It's one of those things that adds up..
When Originals Don't Speak Up
Consider the workplace. Research shows that employees who notice problems or have new ideas often stay silent. Why?
- Social rejection
- Professional retaliation
- Being labeled as "difficult" or "negative"
But when originals do speak up, the impact can be enormous. In real terms, the person who questions why a company wastes millions on ineffective advertising. The employee who suggests a better way to handle customer service. The manager who challenges the assumption that longer hours equal better results.
These aren't small improvements. They're the difference between companies that thrive and those that merely survive.
How Originals Actually Work
Here's where Grant's research gets fascinating. Originals don't succeed because they're fearless. They succeed because they've learned to manage their fear differently Nothing fancy..
The Doubt Advantage
Most people think originals are confident. Wrong. Grant found that the most successful originals are often the ones who feel the most doubt.
Why does this matter? Because doubt makes you:
- More careful about which ideas you pursue
- More thorough in your preparation
- More empathetic to resistance you'll face
The key insight: originality isn't about having no doubts — it's about acting despite them.
The Three Stages of Originality
Every original goes through roughly three phases:
1. Awareness — They notice something that doesn't make sense. This might be a process that's inefficient, a policy that seems unfair, or a market need that's unmet.
2. Imagination — They envision alternatives. What would happen if we did this differently? How could this be better?
3. Action — They take steps to make change happen, even when it's uncomfortable.
The hardest part isn't imagining alternatives — it's taking that first step toward action.
What Kills Originality (And What Doesn't)
If you're thinking, "I'm not original enough to make a difference," you're probably wrong. But there are real obstacles that prevent otherwise capable people from contributing their unique perspectives.
The Comfort Trap
Most of us gravitate toward environments where we feel safe. But safety and originality are often at odds. When we prioritize comfort over contribution, we stop asking hard questions The details matter here..
I worked with a team once where everyone agreed the product roadmap was flawed, but nobody wanted to be the one to say it. The project failed spectacularly six months later. Not because anyone was incompetent — because everyone was too comfortable staying quiet Less friction, more output..
The Validation Trap
Originals don't need universal approval to act. But many of us spend so much time seeking validation that we never take the risks necessary for real change Which is the point..
The irony: the more you seek validation, the less original you become. The more you act on your convictions, the more likely others are to follow.
What Actually Works: Practical Strategies
So how do you become more original without becoming reckless? Here are the strategies that research shows actually work:
Start Small
You don't need to revolutionize your industry overnight. Originals often begin by challenging small assumptions in low-stakes situations The details matter here..
That meeting where everyone assumes the standard approach is best? That's your opening. That process improvement suggestion that seems minor? That's your practice ground Took long enough..
Small wins build the confidence and credibility you need for bigger changes later Worth keeping that in mind..
Find Your Allies
Going up against the system alone is exhausting and dangerous. Smart originals build coalitions Worth keeping that in mind..
Look for people who share your concerns but haven't found their voice yet. In practice, partner with those who have different skills but similar values. Create networks of support that can sustain you through resistance Worth knowing..
Reframe Risk
Most people think originals are risk-takers. Because of that, actually, they're risk-managers. They've learned to reframe what constitutes risk.
Speaking up might feel risky, but staying silent can be riskier for your organization. Taking a stand might seem dangerous, but compromising your principles is often more costly in the long run It's one of those things that adds up..
The Originals FAQ
How do I know if my idea is worth pursuing?
Test it with people who will give you honest feedback — not just encouragement. If smart, reasonable people consistently raise the same concerns, pay attention. If they engage with your idea rather than dismissing it outright, that's a good sign.
What if I'm not naturally charismatic?
Good news: most originals aren't. On top of that, you don't need to be the loudest person in the room. You need to be the most prepared, the most persistent, and the most genuine Surprisingly effective..
How do I handle pushback without getting crushed?
Build your case carefully. Anticipate objections. Practically speaking, find data that supports your position. And most importantly, separate criticism of your idea from criticism of you as a person.
Can I be original in a corporate environment?
Absolutely. Some of the most impactful originals I've encountered worked within large organizations, changing policies, processes, and cultures from the inside The details matter here..
What if I fail?
Then you learn. And you try again. The difference between successful originals and those who give up isn't the absence of failure — it's the willingness to keep going after setbacks.
The Real Power of Being Original
Here's what I've learned from studying originals: the world doesn't need more people who fit in perfectly. It needs more people willing to stand out thoughtfully Worth keeping that in mind..
Originals aren't born — they're made through a combination of self-awareness, strategic thinking, and the courage to act on their convictions. They're the ones who notice when something's broken and refuse to look away That's the whole idea..
But here's the thing that Grant's research reveals: you're already more original than you think. You've probably had ideas that you didn't share. In real terms, you've probably noticed problems that others ignored. You've probably wondered, "Why do we do it this way?
That's not just curiosity. That's originality knocking Not complicated — just consistent..
The question is: will
you answer the door?
Being an original isn't about being perfect or never doubting yourself. It's about acting on your values despite the uncertainty. Plus, it's about speaking up when others stay silent. It's about building the kind of world you want to live in, one small rebellion at a time Turns out it matters..
The path of the original is rarely smooth. In real terms, you'll face skepticism, resistance, and moments of doubt. But you'll also experience something profound: the satisfaction of staying true to your convictions and the impact of inspiring others to do the same Took long enough..
Remember, every major social movement, every breakthrough innovation, and every meaningful change in human history started with someone willing to challenge the status quo. They weren't necessarily the most confident or the most privileged—they were simply the ones who couldn't accept things as they were Surprisingly effective..
Your originality isn't a burden to bear or a risk to avoid. Still, it's your greatest asset in a world that desperately needs fresh perspectives and bold thinking. The question isn't whether you have what it takes to be an original—it's whether you'll have the courage to embrace what you already possess.
Start small. Connect with someone who shares your concerns. Speak up in your next meeting. Share that idea you've been hesitant to voice. Reframe what feels risky as simply necessary Not complicated — just consistent..
The world is waiting for what only you can contribute. All it asks is that you show up as your authentic, original self.
