CROWD MENTALITY
‘Imitation is suicide’ -RALPH WALDO EMERSON
I got the inspiration to write this piece while listening to M.I’s crowd mentality song. For me, the lyrics of this well crafted rap epitomize the danger of walking in somebody else’s path. The legendary Fela kuti calls this:’Follow, follow’. In today’s world, I see this mob mindset being displayed everywhere. From Music, to Fashion, from politics to the Sporting arena, you find individuals who have no business doing what they do,they will rather fit somewhere else.Don’t be afraid of walking your own path , don’t just follow the multitudes because they seem to be doing what is right. Find your own rhythm and pace in life’s journey.
Recently I was having a coaching session with my OAP (On air personality) friend, I counseled her to develop her unique signature style which will make her different from any other radio presenter people have ever listened to. In branding, differentiation is everything. You are either distinct or you go extinct. When you are different, you are remembered. Its been said that heroes walk alone. They stand out from the crowd and stay outside the security of the pack. They walk their own paths, sing their own song, write their own stories, and dance to their own drumbeats. In the words of John Maxwell he said:’ He who follows the crowd will never be followed by a crowd’.Your originality is your greatest asset.Radio broadcast in Nigeria is replete with different radio stations who have been able to carve a niche for themselves.For instance WAZOBIA FM is different from an INSPIRATION FM.These stations have carved out a niche for themselves which is the reason why people keep listening to them. Quit trying to be everything to everybody. You are not designed to live someone else’s life .Live your own life and be all you were meant to be.Learn to be comfortable in your own skin.
I.K Osakioduwa a renowned radio presenter puts it this way:’The worst thing in life today is trying to fit into someone else’s shoes.Someone else’s shoes are designed for him.His feet are different from yours.’The starting point of quitting the mob mentality lies in self discovery.Ask yourself:’Am I wired for what I am presently doing? According to Charles Swindoll:’God wanted you to be you,don,t dare change because you are outnumbered’.Take a critical look at topnotch salesmen,muisicians, outstanding sportsmen,musicians, and brilliant inventors.These people are doing what they can do best.That is why they are right there at the top of their game. Don’t try to make yourself into something you have no inborn talents for, if you do you will be running through life travelling third class when you could have gone first class. Companies understand this, that is why they have a unique selling proposition.Be you,be comfortable in your own skin. I am concluding this piece by quoting part of M.I crowd mentality rap:

’If you don,t have a mind of your own Don,t be disappointed, this is fine be a clone .Listen to me rhyme Am done trying to be mine all alone .There are people walking around like zombies And its so strange How people are afraid of change .Afraid of what will happen if we re arrange .So most black people are just doing What the crowd is doing ,doing what the system says we are allowed to .So break free from the crowd mentality And then we can start to build a new reality.

Kehinde Ajose is a sought after motivational,Renowned syndicated columnist and acclaimed Talent development coach reachable @ 08024212530 or splendidkenny01@yahoo.com/Motivationswithkehindeajose.blogspot.com