The Power of Different

You know the safety announcements at the beginning of every flight?

Have you ever taken a moment to appreciate how most people blatantly ignore those?

I mean, does anyone really check where all the exits are located? And I'm pretty sure most of the pamphlets with detailed safety information haven't been touched since publication.

But, there's one flight I'll never forget.

The attendant went through the standard safety announcements, which I proceeded to tune out in favor of my book...or maybe I was texting.

And at the end, the flight attendant said...

"To the six of you who were paying attention, thank you. Everyone else? Good luck."

That caught my attention. Of all the flights I've ever taken, I'll never forget that one.

Because it was different.

And it also made me think, "Hmm...maybe I should at least make sure I know where the exits are."

In a world where everything is the same, if you do something the tiniest bit different, you can make an impact. Different is another form of creativity.

Maybe it's tough to make a career as a classical pianist because the repertoire has been recorded and performed thousands of times over.

But hey, what if you perform in a yellow tuxedo and provide an open bar? People will show up to your concert and talk about you for years.

Or maybe that's too different. But at least it would be interesting.

A more practical example, someone is going to ask you how you are today.

Instead of going with the usual "I'm well," try using a five-syllable word. Notice the look of surprise and delight you bring to the other person's face.

Different is where it's at.

Different is interesting.

Different is art.

Different brightens up the day.

So...what will you try different today?