Purple: an Unrelated Title

My father once told me that being a good leader does not always mean doing what has been done before just because that is what has always been done, and that is what is expected. But, maybe "expected" isn't quite the right word. This is not to discredit my father, because he really is truly inspiring, and he is absolutely right. But maybe, in many cases, being a good leader means not doing what has been done before simply because it is what is accepted. People (and I use this very general word intentionally), at least in our society, have a tendency to judge, and to avoid their own judgment by conforming to some accepted ideal. Disclaimer: This is not a brooding rant to suggest that we should all rebel and be free spirits and lose all sense of structure in our society. This is merely an observation; one that I do not excuse myself from. I do not think in any way that I am exempt from either side of this rule: I judge, and I conform to those who judge. I fully admit that. But maybe, just by making small, incremental changes, we could change ourselves and each other and create a more positive environment. Every time one human is swayed by the behavior of another, we create an epic domino effect. Sometimes that affect is positive. For example, a viral video promoting the support towards a cure for breast cancer. And sometimes, quite often, the effect is negative. We have come to follow each other, simply because it is easier, and because we avoid judgment this way. I do want to be a good leader, and a strong self-advocate. Maybe if we all thought for ourselves, trusted our own instincts, and did what we knew was right, everyone would smile just a little bit more.