“If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking.”  -- George S. Patton

There is some invisible force driving people to seek approval of their thinking.  Apparently it’s a basic human need to have our thinking validated as being conformist.  However this creates a huge pitfall.  Without unique ideas, mankind would still be living in caves.

Consider some historical examples.  When Columbus set sail, the majority thought the world was flat.  Columbus was chided for embarking on an obviously futile journey.  Prior to the American Revolution, the concept of democracy was virtually unheard of. 

The thinking of our founding fathers was considered outlandish by many.  Who in their right mind would think there was the slightest possibility of defeating the British, the most powerful military force in the world?

Guglielmo Marconi, inventor of the radio, was thought to be insane by his relatives for his outlandish attempts to communicate without wires.  Thankfully, he was undeterred, as all of humanity has benefited from the results of his individual thinking.

Unconventional thinking is the source of all innovation and progress.  If everyone thought alike, discoveries would be made.  Yet due to the risk of ridicule or criticism, there is an aversion to articulating independent thought.  The perceived power of majority thinking discourages many people from engaging in any descent or variation.

Thinking does not mean agreeing.  True thinking involves analysis, questioning, and testing the current belief system.  It should take place without concern for how your thoughts compare to those of others.

Did you hear any of the following when growing up?  "What will the neighbors think?"  "What will the relatives think?"  "What will our friends think?"  These admonishments pressured us to constrain our thoughts.  We were constantly told it was necessary to conform our thinking to mesh with the people around us.

Unfortunately, this conditioning constrains our thought processes.  We then grew up comparing our thoughts to others in order to seek validation.  When out thoughts are unique, as they should be, they get stifled rather than cultivated.

Just because a group of people's thoughts are aligned in a particular way doesn't mean they are right or accurate.  Invariably, just the opposite is true.  Group thinking is often based on erroneous understanding.  The thinking of the masses changes reluctantly and slowly once individuals who go against the flow demonstrate the validity of alternative thoughts. 

Crowd psychology is powerful.  Like the behavior of a panicked mob, it can sweep you up with its momentum.  Your own thoughts are then displaced by groupthink.  It takes a strong individual to retain his or her identity while surrounded by great pressure to conform. 

As I've often pointed out in this column, it doesn't matter what others say, think, or do.  You don't have to convince anyone of the validity of your thoughts.  All that’s important is your belief in yourself.

Your thoughts generate your values.  Having a positive sense of values and sticking to them is essential for a happy life.  When you have a strong core, you are not prone to being unduly influenced by others.  People who don’t are prone to engaging in behavior unlike anything they would do if acting alone, including unethical and even illegal conduct.  When you have a solid foundation, you won’t fly whichever way the wind blows.

Don’t worry about what other people are thinking.  Pay attention to your thoughts.  If your thoughts are always in alignment with popular opinion, you should do some deep introspection to ensure you aren’t being subconsciously influenced.  In order to reach your goals, you must have your own thoughts.  You don’t have to think like everyone else.

NOW AVAILABLE:  "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book.  Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write him c/o this paper.  2009 Bryan Golden

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