There’s a noticeable pattern among those who shake up their industries – they start by challenging the status quo.
It’s not about being a rebel, but about daring to ask “why?” when everyone else is content with “that’s just how it is.”
Revolutionaries, in essence, question established assumptions. They’re not afraid to turn a critical eye towards norms and rewrite the playbook in their own style.
In this article, we’ll explore the eight common assumptions that industry trailblazers usually scrutinize first. Prepare to have your perspective shifted – you might just be the next big game-changer.
1) Tradition is always best
It’s a common belief that the way things have always been done is the best way. This assumption is deeply ingrained in many industries.
But those who really shake things up, they dare to challenge this notion. They don’t accept tradition as the ultimate truth. Instead, they dare to ask, “Is there a better way?”
It’s not about disrespecting the past or disregarding tried-and-true methods. Rather, it’s about acknowledging that progress often requires fresh thinking and new approaches.
By questioning the sanctity of tradition, industry revolutionaries open the door to innovation and progress. They see beyond what is, envisioning what could be – and that’s where true disruption begins.
So remember, it’s okay to respect tradition, but don’t let it limit your imagination or ambition.
2) Bigger is always better
I grew up in a world where bigger was synonymous with success. The bigger the company, the more successful it was considered. The larger the market share, the better.
But in my journey as an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that this isn’t always true.
When I started my own tech company, we were a small player in a sea of tech giants. Everyone assumed that we couldn’t compete, that size would inevitably crush us.
But we questioned this assumption. Instead of trying to match the giants stride for stride, we focused on what we could do as a smaller entity – we could be more agile, more innovative, more responsive to customer needs.
And guess what? It worked. We carved out a niche for ourselves by delivering a unique value proposition that larger companies weren’t nimble enough to match.
So, from personal experience, I can tell you that bigger isn’t always better. Sometimes, being small and nimble is exactly what allows you to disrupt the industry and make your mark.
3) Success equals money
This is an assumption that’s deeply embedded in our society. But, the most successful industry revolutionaries often measure their success in different ways.
Take, for example, Elon Musk. Yes, he’s a billionaire. But if you listen to his interviews or read his tweets, you’ll quickly realize that his true measure of success isn’t monetary wealth. It’s the impact he can have on the world and humanity’s future.
His main goal with SpaceX isn’t to make money – it’s to make life multiplanetary to ensure the survival of humanity. His objective with Tesla isn’t just to build a profitable car company – it’s to accelerate the advent of sustainable transport.
So, remember: Money can be a result of success, but it doesn’t have to be the definition of it. Impact can be a far more powerful and meaningful measure.
4) You must follow the competition
In many industries, there’s a tendency to constantly keep an eye on what the competition is doing. The assumption is that if they’re successful, mimicking their strategies might lead to similar results.
But industry revolutionaries often take a different approach. They focus more on carving out their own unique path than following in the footsteps of others.
Instead of obsessing over competitors, they obsess over their customers, their needs, and how to deliver value in novel ways. They understand that true innovation often comes from ignoring the crowd and daring to be different.
Remember, while it’s important to be aware of the competitive landscape, don’t let it dictate your every move. Be bold and forge your own path.
5) Failure is the end
In our success-obsessed society, failure is often seen as the ultimate defeat. It’s something to be avoided at all costs. This assumption can limit risk-taking and dampen creativity.
But, those who’ve truly revolutionized their industries perceive failure differently. They see it as a stepping stone, not a stumbling block.
They understand that every failure brings with it valuable lessons and insights. It’s not the end, but rather a crucial part of the journey towards success.
Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” His relentless optimism in the face of failure led to one of the most transformative inventions in human history.
So, don’t fear failure. Embrace it. Let it guide you, shape you, and propel you towards your goal. It’s not the end – it’s just a new beginning.
6) You need to be an expert
It’s easy to think that you need to be an expert in an industry to bring about change. But I’ve found that sometimes, not knowing the rules is exactly what allows you to rewrite them.
When I jumped into the world of digital marketing, I had no formal education or experience in the field. Many might have seen this as a disadvantage.
However, this lack of preconceived notions allowed me to approach problems from a fresh angle, ask different questions, and ultimately, innovate in ways that industry veterans often overlook.
It was challenging, no doubt. There were moments of self-doubt and anxiety. But the journey taught me that expertise isn’t always a prerequisite for disruption. Sometimes, a fresh perspective is all you need.
7) Innovation is a lone journey
The image of a solitary genius, single-handedly revolutionizing an industry, is a popular one. But in reality, innovation is rarely a solo journey.
Most industry revolutionaries are surrounded by a team of passionate individuals who share their vision. They understand the importance of collaboration and diverse perspectives in driving innovation.
Take Steve Jobs and Apple as an example. While Jobs is often credited with Apple’s success, he didn’t accomplish it alone. It was the collective effort of numerous talented individuals working together that led to groundbreaking products like the iPhone.
So, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you have to do it all alone. Surround yourself with people who share your vision and passion. Together, you’ll be far more capable of challenging assumptions and driving change.
8) Change is risky
This assumption is perhaps the most common one, and also the most crippling. Yes, change involves risk. But the biggest risk often lies in not changing at all.
Stagnation is the true enemy of progress. Those who revolutionize their industries understand this. They are not reckless, but they are willing to take calculated risks to drive change.
Remember, without risk, there can be no innovation. Embrace change, embrace uncertainty, and above all, embrace the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
Final thoughts: Challenging assumptions
The fabric of progress is often woven from threads of challenging assumptions. Those who revolutionize industries master this art, daring to question the norms and think differently.
As Albert Einstein famously said, “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence.”
In your journey, remember that every assumption is a question unasked, an innovation unexplored, a revolution unrealized.
So, don’t shy away from questioning. Embrace it. It’s not about proving others wrong or being a contrarian for the sake of it. It’s about seeking truth, fostering innovation, and driving change.
In the end, those who dare to question are often the ones who shape the world.
