Comments on: You’re on the Right Track being on the Wrong Track – Linchpin

By: 8 Philosophies for Success from Actress Camryn Manheim | Philosophy - Maria Brophy

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 06:26:02 +0000

[...] (this might be precisely the time to do something that’s never been done before—then you’ll stand out from the competition: but by all means, use your [...]

By: Jeff Dolan

Jeff Dolan — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 01:29:53 +0000

This post is close to my heart. Thanks for sharing it.

By: Lori Woodward

Lori Woodward — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 16:32:01 +0000

Maria, I read Linchpin a couple of weeks ago. Seth says in the book that he started it a dozen times. I’m so glad he finished it.

I, like you – had a touch time following rules and not causing trouble in school. I always thought there was a better way to do anything than by following someone else’s directions. When they taught me long division in the 3rd grade, I secretly believed that “short” division existed, but they didn’t want us to know about it.

I’m a baby boomer, and have waited all my life to fit into the shape that fits me. Thanks for this blog Maria – it’s great to get to know others who feel the same way and are sharing online what gifts Seth has given us through his writing.

By: Wilson Usman

Wilson Usman — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:27:43 +0000

You read it too…

That’s so great that I am finding so many people that are reading this book now or have read it. Definitely this book comes to us at the right time I have to say.

The only thing that I worry is that there’s so many people out there that are still so close minded, and it frustrates the heck out of me because they just want to keep doing what they are told and they think that is the only way. I don’t understand why.

I just hope that the Gen-Y can really take these ideas and run with them. It’s time we really shine with our passions and become linchpins.

By: Maria Brophy

Maria Brophy — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:21:33 +0000

Miranda: You’ll figure it out! Go easy on yourself…

Sylvia: Great question you asked! If everyone strives to be different, than what?! I don’t think everyone is capable of being a Linchpin, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But we do need them, so the people who are able to be Linchpins are being called out to show themselves!

By: sylvia

sylvia — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:36:35 +0000

Great post. Like Archan, I received a battery of IQ tests in elementary school and promptly earned my label. I was a good student, and great things were expected of me… Now, diplomas and a degree later, I’m still looking for that oddly-shaped hole I fit into.

[One of my fave lyrics: "Where did that label go? I tried it out, but it did not work so I'll choose the picture for myself."]

But, for the sake of argument: if every person strives to be the “different one,” don’t you just end up with a crowd of people trying to be different in all the same ways? Teenagers and art students come to mind *cough*heheh*… After all, we are over 6 billion on this planet. Eventually all the differences just blend into multifactorial spectra and become similarities. There are bound to be at least a hundred people who are exactly as different and indispensable as you AND have nicer shoes. Then what?

Gonna have to read the book, I guess…

By: Daniel Sroka

Daniel Sroka — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:07:06 +0000

Thanks Maria, I appreciate it. But honestly, I learned this from my Dad. And it is something I hope to pass on to my kids.

By: Miranda

Miranda — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:36:59 +0000

Wow, this is incredibly timely for me… Having done the college thing already, I’m wondering what to do next! According to your mainstream timeline, kids come next and I’m definitely feeling that pressure! I’ve always chosen passion over practicality (I took fine arts, not anything that would get me an actual job!), now I hace to figure out where my true passion lies. Thanks for the words of inspiration!

By: Maria

Maria — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:51:29 +0000

Daniel, that is a great story! Congrats on doing what you believe in and working for yourself. You are an inspiration to many, I’m sure.

By: Daniel Sroka

Daniel Sroka — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:36:33 +0000

I found a similar soulessness in my career as a graphic designer. It is supposedly a creative industry, but so much about what you are asked to do is conservative, tenative, rote. The last straw for me was a customer, a CEO of a successful company with a dynamic message, insisting that we brand him exactly like another popular company. He was paying us to throw away everything about his company that was unique and successful, just to jump on the latest business marketing bandwagon.

I fled, as did many of my co-workers. I fled to a business based on my own art, my own creativity. It is not a lucrative, but it’s a hell of a lot more satisfying. It can be tough being your own client, but at least I *believe* in what I am doing.