UNCOMMON WAYS: UNIQUE GREATNESS -OZIOMACHI. ‎

 UNCOMMON WAYS: UNIQUE  GREATNESS -OZIOMACHI.

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‎*Things considered conventional were once unconventional*

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‎Historically, human reality and achievements have been defined by adherence and adaptation to conventionally identified or prescribed principles, rules, methods, practices, procedures, and patterns. Inherently, anything unconventional or antithetical is suspiciously considered out of place. Quite outlandish and unacceptable. Therefore,  for the benefit of this piece, l have chosen to use the term common for unique conventional and familiar things and uncommon for the unknown, unconventional, un-unique, unfamiliar patterns for easy comprehension. Common implies something that is common, often seen, experienced, or practised by many people. Common things are often considered normal or expected. For example, common knowledge or experiences are known, shared among a large group of people. Uncommon things, on the other hand, are something that is rare. It is not often seen, experienced, or practised. Uncommon things are distinctive or exceptional. They stand out from the ordinary and are often notable or remarkable. An exclusive harbinger of a few. For instance, uncommon ideas, practices, or experiences may not be widely recognised or accepted. Like uncommon talents, uncommon perspectives, and uncommon solutions.

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‎Recent conversation between a teacher and a parent revealed the preponderance of uncommon knowledge in society. The teacher told a parent that her child is always restless and destructive in class. Hearing this, I was appalled quite terribly. This scenario exemplifies a clear comprehension of common phenomenon and incomprehension of uncommon phenomena. Implicitly, that child has a very unique ability that could have been identified and properly channelled, thereby leading to proper horning and harnessing of inherent benefits. Better still, had the teacher concieved that child as a genius with an uncommon abilities, she would have identified his unique learning patterns and  adopt a corresponding approach in teaching and learning that will elicit the best in him. This conviction is born out of the belief that inherent in every odd or negative circumstances or events are positives that can only be discovered with deeper knowledge and clear understanding.

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‎I demonstrated the importance of identifying uncommon cues or patterns when I was writing the book Adversity Demystified. I used a child who was learning how to walk and was bought a new shoe to demonstrate this. Walking for the first time with shoes made her walk absolutely impossible. She bent down and crawled to her destination. This clearly shows that uncommon feats are achieved when uncommon ideas are adopted and adapted. This clearly corroborates historical examples that show that great inventions and developments emerged out of uncommon ideas and actions of equally uncommon individuals. Consider such uncommon inventions like the Submarine. A development that involved the contributions of many individuals and organisations over time in the construction of a very huge moving object under the water. Is it not an uncommon thinking that would have made such a great feat possible? For instance, when the Dutch inventor Cornelius Drebbel (1572-1633) who was the first to successfully construct a submarine in 1620, he tested his invention, a wooden vessel. And it stayed submerged for several hours and resurfaced. Imagine how some people would have considered him abnormal? Or later, when David Bushnell (1740-1824) was an American inventor who built the Turtle, a hand-powered submarine used during the American Revolutionary War. Subsequently, 

‎Robert Fulton (1765-1815), another American engineer, followed suit. He designed and built several submarines, including the Nautilus, which was tested in 1800. It was the uncommon ideas and visionary efforts of these pioneers that led to the groundwork that metamorphosed info modern submarine designs. And berthed the 19th and 20th centuries, advances in materials, propulsion systems, and technology leading to the development of more sophisticated submarines. Whose notable milestones include the first nuclear-powered submarine USS Nautilus (SSN-571), launched in 1954. The same equally applies to others in use presently.

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‎The ability to envision or see value in uncommon unexpected places or unconventional ideas often requires a significant change in perception. This shift in perspective allows individuals to identify opportunities that others may not see or overlook. Entrepreneurs, innovators, and visionaries have long recognised the importance of challenging traditional, conventional views and embracing uncommon new realities. The realisation that uncommon ideas lead to greatness galvanised Thomas Kuhn to extensively write on paradigm shifts, highlighting the importance of challenging conventional views, altering the same, and embracing new perspectives. This allows individuals to see the world in a different light and identify opportunities that others may not see or  miss. Also, De Beers' marketing campaigns in the mid-20th century successfully created a perception that diamonds are rare and scarce, hence increasing their value and desirability. This shift in perception transformed the diamond industry and created a new market reality. The same way companies like Apple and Google have disrupted traditional industries by challenging conventional wisdom and embracing new technologies. Their innovative approaches have created new markets and opportunities, demonstrating the power of perception shifts in driving innovation.

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‎*Currently, Abia State and Bende North Constituency in particular are witnessing uncommon transformative development because of the equally uncommon leadership prowess of his Excellency Governor Alex Chioma Otti. Consequently, all Abia people now have a changed perception that enables them to look beyond the obvious, identify, and align with what was previously unimaginable, unexpected*. A confirmation that a change in perception is often the key to unlocking uncommon ideas and values in unexpected places. Impliedly, by going overboard far above common wisdom and embracing uncommon realities, individuals can identify opportunities that others may overlook. The ability to see beyond the surface and recognize potential value in uncommon ideas is a critical skill for entrepreneurs, innovators, and visionaries. Who by adopting a mindset that is open to new perspectives and possibilities, unlock new opportunities and create value in unexpected ways, setting a pedestal for unique greatness. 

‎Hon.IBEKWE, Nnamdi Chimdi-FCIMS., FNIS.

‎Lawmaker representing Bende North Constituency Abia State.

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