As I watch various events unfolding in our world and witness new discoveries being made across the globe, I’ve been pondering the meaning of thought leadership – and how one’s uniqueness impacts the collective on a larger scale.

 

Whether we’re writing a book, building a business, chairing a board, managing a political campaign, or opening an art gallery – our thoughts, ideas, and beliefs naturally reveal themselves when we’re doing our best work.

 

As a highly-creative person with fresh ideas and new ways of seeing people, places, and things – have you ever thought about the ripple effect you create through your personal and professional work?

 

Have you pondered the bigger message – and how it touches people in large and small ways?

 

Have you wondered about the impact it has, when it travels from one person to the next – and how far it might go?

 

Have you ever considered yourself a changemaker or a trailblazer?

 

As someone who has spent decades in the political arena working on campaigns and issues related to the betterment of humanity, I have a full understanding of the impact of the changemakers. Many of them are humanitarian by nature and feel quite purposeful when they’re creating big change for society. They have a “fix-it” approach to solving life’s problems with a heart-filled desire to equalize opportunities for others. They thrive on working within a collective energy in an effort to push the human race forward. They’re often the “first responders” in a time of crisis, ready to share their best tools and practices for changing the current circumstances.

 

I’ve also spent a lot of time working in the corporate arena, alongside people whom I would deem as trailblazers. These are the people who have a gift for innovation and possibility. They’re always looking for new ways of doing things and they’re chock-full of new ideas. They’re highly-creative people and are often thought leaders in their fields. You’ll never find them copying anyone else’s process – or modeling anyone else’s style. They are truly unique in their approach to life and in the way they conduct business. And it’s not uncommon to hear a trailblazer refer to being a “lone ranger” – often finding themselves on the trail alone, lighting a dark and mysterious path for others to follow. There’s a high level of boldness that’s required to be the first one who steps foot on an unmarked trail.

 

 

Positive change is what feeds the soul of a changemaker while innovation and new possibilities are the hallmark of a trailblazer.

 

And just to be clear – innovation isn’t change. There’s a huge distinction between these two energies.

 

Change is moving away from something – while innovation is moving toward something.

 

Changemakers work hard to remove the constraints of society and the self-imposed constraints of individuals. They’re most inspired when they can “unlock the hold” of a long-standing regime – or break a pattern of ongoing abuse.

 

Trailblazers, on the other hand, thrive on new ways of seeing and experiencing the world – and love to come up with approaches that seem risky to others and are often untested by society. And it’s this innovation that helps drive higher order solutions toward something that is truly ground-breaking.

 

Innovation and change require two different mindsets.

 

Change can be described as the “make it stop” or “make it better” mindset – while the innovation mindset is best described as “make it different” or “make it new.” 

 

Notice how the former pushes you away from an undesired state, while the latter pulls you towards a desired state.

 

So which one are you – the changemaker or the trailblazer?

 

And how are these energies showing up in your life – personally, professionally, and creatively?

 

These are great questions to ponder as we move toward another new moon phase – and begin to consider the best ways to shine through our own unique gifts and thought leadership. 

 

If you’d like to explore the potential of your personal and professional impact – and how to manifest it in a creative way, I invite you to join me in my Creative Alchemy Studio.

 

It’s my version of a creative think tank – where you can show up with your questions, thoughts, and ideas – and explore the many possibilities of whatever is wanting to be expressed through you.

 

Here’s to honoring your uniqueness – and bringing to life a message that only you can give!