“What is genius but the power of expressing a new individuality?”—Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Who are we if we are not an individual? One must embrace his or her own genius and accept one’s self for the impact he or she is intended to have on the world.
Likewise, we must accept the individuality of others. Of course, there is a place for conformity in a society, but only the extent to which it prevents lawlessness. In general, however, diversity is in the truest sense individuals being themselves—not, in my opinion, the broad categorization of people.
Teaching exercise science, the thought of individuality comes to mind often. I teach it in regards to the dynamic systems model of behavior—i.e., that behavior is driven by the interaction between the characteristics of the individual, the environment, and the task at hand. The applications, however, are quite broad. We cannot, therefore, affect others positively without, as Stephen R. Covey suggested, seeking “first to understand, then to be understood”. This is something that is seriously lacking in our society. We, instead, demand that other conform to us, rather than finding the common ground.
The principle of individuality defies the categorization of people. From education to the gym, we need to get away from the one-size-fits-all mentality. Everyone has different needs that are not always well served by such an approach.
One discouraging trend I see in fitness is the “workout of the day” or “WOD”. The idea that a group of individuals can show up and be given a common workout that will meet their needs and abilities goes contrary to all the I teach. Sure, we can convince people that they all have the same goals (usually six-pack abs, of course), but not everyone needs—or wants—the same things. “Personal fitness” is no longer personalized.
Likewise, education has become increasingly homogenized. At universities, we provide degrees to what academics perceive the job opportunities to be rather than training future jobs creators. Degrees include restrictive curriculum that serves more the faculty position rather than the greater society needs. Degrees lack flexibility and creativity. Often degree programs can go decades without change when technology and knowledge changes seemingly daily. As a result, students conform and make their way through a black-and-white degree plan just because they are told they need a degree. The question at graduation, then, is “What do I do next?” Instead, I am of the mindset that we need to educate students to have the ambition coming up through K-12 to demand: “This is what I want to do. Prepare me for it!” This is educating to the principle of individuality. Instead, we get: “I am kinda interested in ______. What classes to I have to take to graduate?” Our children deserve better.
Relationally, we seek a mate who shares our interests, rather than the person who completes us. Relationships wither and die because we “outgrow each other” or “he/she has changed.” News flash: your partner (and you/me) should change. If your partner has outgrown you, what the heck have the two of you been doing? Or should I say “not been doing”?
“Couple” serves as a noun or a verb. In the verb sense, a couple combines to become united—not like 1 + 1 = 2, rather like 1 + 1 > 2.
I embrace the differences between my wife and me—and there are many. Sure, I annoy her and she (only occasionally, of course) annoys me from time to time, but it is the principle of individuality that allows us to grow together—as a unite and as individuals.
In all things, we need to embrace the power of the individual. One can say that we a stronger united, but, in that unity, each much bring his/her own unique strengths and giftedness to the collective whole.
Be your unique best today; make a better tomorrow. Carpe momento!