A footprint. A fingerprint. A marking of your own that nobody else can claim or copy to the exact tee. This is what makes us unique; no one person is the same as the next. Twins can be an exception, but even they are not the same. They may share the same physical looks, but lead varying lives due to individual personalities. The features that makes us stand out from the crowd are what makes us US.

Since it is the little things that make us different from the person next to us, this means that our thoughts and views will vary as well. All of us are distinct in our own way; we all work originally. We all see the world through unalike binoculars. But to contrast the crowd one must first take the step to become a leader. Being a leader means that you have to believe in yourself. You have to fight for what you think is the morally correct choice in situations presented to you. Even if everyone else disagrees with your ways and you are swimming against the crowd, stick with your gut.

To be a leader does not mean to have total control over everything. It is not being a dictator, in fact it is far from it. It means to guide others, lend a helping hand, encourage peers to voice their opinions, and giving everyone a chance to shine. The leaders that are worthy of talking about are the ones that lift others up, not tear them down. One must consider other possible outcomes for the majority with an open ear and mind. Otherwise, alternative options that could have been better are closed off.

A leader that stands out to me is Dr. Seuss. He has been a key figure in my life that has encouraged me to push myself further, follow others as an example, and be a leader in my own life. Quotes such as “Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!” and “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose” have a higher level of meaning to me. Both of these quotes show and explain why it is critical to believe in yourself and be your own motivator and hero.

One thing I have learned from my mistakes is that it is not about the brain or heart when it comes to decision making, it is the gut. The gut feeling you get when your are about to make a big decision is the one that is usually correct and it is in that moment I follow my instincts and leap. Don’t stand still, stuck in the concrete walkway you have built. Instead, dig your shoes out and try walking on an unfamiliar surface for a change. Even if you feel certain about your ways, still keep your mind ajar, while showing and explaining why you feel so strongly about your viewpoint.

I think leader or follower, all of us have a place and contribution to end results. Nothing is wrong with either part in the making of a creation. Each position is needed to function a system, both values are irreplaceable. Our individuality is sacred; without a leader there could not be followers, without followers no leaders.