How to nurture your inner maverick
October 18, 2017
By Brian Maynor
Innovative. Radical thinking. No tolerance for ignorance.
These are just three of the key qualities found in a maverick, and if you identify with them, then you’re a maverick. But what does it mean to be a maverick, and how can we cultivate the maverick mentality to our advantage.
For starters, being a maverick means constantly beating to our own drum. Mavericks think differently and act differently, which can be scary for both the maverick and everyone else. Mavericks don’t fit into a mold so being comfortable being different is a must. Also, mavericks make other people uncomfortable, so having a thick skin is imperative because you can’t push boundaries without experiencing some push back.
Here are a few tips to help develop the inner maverick in all of us:
1. “Do what you can’t.” Personally, being told I can’t do something makes me more determined to not only do it, but to crush it, and I know I’m not alone in that mentality. This drive to accomplish what we are told we can’t is our inner maverick breaking free. “Do what you can’t” is the motto of every maverick.
2. “Be tougher.” Seatbacks, failures, delays and defeats are inevitable, especially for mavericks. The difference is in how they deal with them. Mavericks see them as good things, further proof of their out-of-the-box thinking. Instead of focusing on the negative aspect of what was lost, they look at the benefits gained. This unique perspective helps them avoid getting trapped in the emotional cycle of setbacks, and keeps them moving forward.
3. “Bully the bully.” Mavericks aren’t afraid to speak their truth, or give others a piece of their mind. This doesn’t mean they are bullies, seeking out opportunities to intimidate others, but rather that they won’t be bullied. Mavericks stand up for themselves and others without fear or reservation.
4. “Embrace what makes you mad.” Think about the one thing that pisses you off the most. Most of us can identify it pretty quickly. This irritant is actually what we are most passionate about, and what we should be focusing on for personal and professional fulfillment. It wouldn’t make your blood boil if you didn’t really care about it. So embrace it and go after it.
Being a maverick is hard work, but they are essential to success, whether it is personal success or company success. Mavericks are also the drivers of change; embracing the challenges that come with bucking the status quo and traditional ways of thinking because they can’t do it any other way.
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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
