How to Start of Movement

The TED Talk by Derek Sivers "How to Start a Movement" may be only three minutes in length, but it has given me years of inspiration and courage. It has played a significant role in how I manage my career and how I interact with others.

The talk is centered around a video of a young kid at the beach who demonstrates the courage to make a fool of himself. And as Sivers points out, this what it takes to start a movement. 

Key points from his talk:

1. A leader needs the guts to stand out and be ridiculed. 
2. The leader must embrace his or her FIRST follower as an EQUAL and not a follower. This way it’s about the movement, not the leader.
3. As Sivers points out, "The first follower transforms the lone nut into a leader."
4. The first follower, as Siver's also points out, is an "underestimated form of leadership."  He or she demonstrates just as much courage as the leader. 
5. New followers, ultimately emulate the first follower, not the leader. 
6. As more people join in, following the "lone nut" becomes less risky. 
7. Overtime it become more risky not to follow the leader and the crowd of others following the leader.
8. And before you know it, a new movement is born. 

This video is short and simple, but so profound. As I see it, it's bigger message is about being selfish enough to pursue that which makes you happy. And self-less enough to allow others to take ownership of the fruits of your courage. 

Thanks for your time!

Please check out my new book: Be Inspired, Stay Focused: Creativity, Learning, and the Business of Music.