Misfits fascinate me, they zig when others zag.
According to Google, a misfit is a person whose behavior or attitude sets them apart from others in an uncomfortably conspicuous way.
In other words, a misfit is someone who doesn’t fit in.
Historically, misfits were those people who did things others were unwilling to. They spent countless hours working on the wrong things to eventually stumble upon something “right.”
None of my inventions came by accident. I see a worthwhile need to be met and I make trial after trial until it comes. What it boils down to is one per cent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.
Thomas Edison
That irrational drive to continue trials in the face of uncertainty is what makes a misfit fascinating.
“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. Because believing that the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart even when it leads you off the well worn path; and that will make all the difference.”
Steve Jobs, Stanford Commencement 2005
Another non-obvious trait about misfits is they’re only recognized as such in hindsight.
While a misfit is in pursuit of the irrational she’s more likely to be seen either as a failure or insane.
Historically, society hasn’t been kind to misfits. I believe modern misfits feel much of the same pain as their predecessors.
Think about it, do you know any misfits?
