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Rocking the Boat


It’s easy to view controversial figures in a negative light. For one, we have an innate need to “belong” and a desire to fit in with our peers. But for two, many of those seen as controversial tend to rock the boat just to make waves and seem to create controversy for its own sake as an end in itself. This is unfortunate because sometimes controversy is necessary. Sometimes the boat needs to be rocked, not for the sake of making waves, but because that’s the only way to get it out of the deceptive “safety” of the harbor and out into open waters where it can actually take you where you need to go.

As a rule, most people will be average or at least clustered closely around it. They will take the easy path rather than the right one. They will choose comfort and convenience over what’s possible and purposeful. They accept long-term pain for short-term gain. In doing so, they will shortchange those closest to them and ultimately, cheat themselves.

If you do take the narrow path – if you leave the safety of the harbor – you will cause others around you to ridicule and even resent you, because to support your decision would be to condemn their own. They must undermine your quest to break through the barriers by which they allow themselves to be limited. If you plan to live your best life, if you seek true purpose and passion in your journey through life, you must, in fact, create controversy. Have the courage to be controversial.

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