I’ve come to realise that for the most part, there is a majority of people who look for similarities in life rather than to look for difference. I think that part is obvious, similarities are a known thing, and therefore even if it is not entirely safe, it is manageable.
Difference however is a much trickier thing to deal with. I mean, it is difference that separates people, it is difference that creates wars and problems between countries, and between friends. In fact ever since man learnt how to walk on two legs, it is these differences that have create a separatist way of thinking amongst us human beings, however, did you ever stop to think that this very difference is also the prime cause for Mans continual search for truth and the advancement of civilization.
Think about it for second, there are more than enough examples of people seeking out similarities in the world. When people immigrate to a new city, they tend to find homes near people who are similar. When visiting another country, people feel at ease when they encounter people from the same background.
Look amongst your own social circle and group of friends and you’ll find that you are all similar in some way which drew you all together in the first place. Look around you in your place of work and discover that all those around you are there because they thought some of the same thoughts as you did, and the result was this convergence.
Despite all these similarities, did you ever stop to think how difference everyone actually is? In fact, no two people are alike, even “identical twins” have differences in behaviour and mannerisms.
So what’s the big deal about me ranting on about this?
Well, this whole idea of embracing difference, is in fact one of the most empowering mindsets to achieve. By embracing this mindset, you’ll end up learning more and at a faster pace, such that you can change your own behaviours to emulate success for your life.
I always say, if you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always got.
If you take the same actions time and time again and expect a different result, then you will eventually go insane! How can you expect things to change for you, if you keep doing the same thing over and over again.
Lessons and failures are there for a reason, they are there for us to learn the positive lessons and to move on into the future so that you can use that new knowledge in a way to help yourself even more, and to help others to achieve their dreams.
The difference that makes a difference is basically the steps that someone else takes that is the difference between success and failure.
Do you ask yourself the question, why is it I always end up in the same type of relationships? You’ve dated around and had several short term relationships and yet they all seem to end up the same way?
Well what is the common denominator in that story?
It’s YOU! You are the thing that stays the same throughout, so guess what, in order to get a different result, YOU are the one that has to change the way you are doing things.
The way I’ve learnt recently is that if I don’t know something, ask someone who knows. In fact, I will try to find the most expert source of information and try to someway get in front of that person and ask them myself personally.
Why learn second hand information from the Internet or from a friend, when you can find out how to get to the source of knowledge and ask directly. All you have to do is to want to.
When I get to speak to these people, I’ll chat about many things. I’ll ask questions and I’ll swap information, but ultimately, what I’m looking for, are those small hints and tips of information that tell me they do things in that other different way, and I can learn and test those out for myself.
Those are the differences that make the difference.
So, are you seeking out the differences that make the difference?
Are you seeking out the information that you can learn and use to help you move forward in your life, or are you still constantly seeking out similarities?
If you are still looking for similarities, ask yourself this, what can you really learn from that?
Just a final thought, check out the Video below, it’s one of HSBCs adverts. Thier core message is about knowing the differences between people and learning from it.