Singular
Now | New | Next - Singular
(5 minute read)
A few weeks back, Brian Solis posted a video on LinkedIn of a young female artist Maggie Rogers who played her song for Pharrell Williams during a session at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at the NYU Tisch School of Arts. The nervousness of Maggie was palatable.? The anticipation of a comment about her song “Alaska” from Pharrell left you hanging and feeling for her waiting for his response.??
The quote out of his mouth that hit me between the eyes was “...It’s singular.”?
Pharrell went on to say that her song was unique and distinguishable…that you couldn’t judge it or compare it to anything else.? You either liked it or you didn’t.??
“That is such a special quality in all of us and we all possess that ability.”?
This sparked my curiosity to dig deeper into the concept of “singular” and how that applies to my strategic narrative work with companies and executives trying to find their unique voice in a sea of sameness.??
DEFINITION
Singular, like many words in the English language has several meanings. Its primary meaning centers on
“Unique, Individual, and simply one of a kind.”
ROOTS
The root of the word comes from the Latin word “singularis” which means “single, solitary, one by one, one at a time; peculiar, remarkable.”
And, from the Latin word “singulus” which means “one, one to each, individual, separate”.?
THE QUEST
Watching the Super Bowl brought home that word again.? Both teams had a singular focus of making it to and winning the Super Bowl.? It is why you play the game.? To be the best at what you do and to win the crowning achievement of being the world champions.??
A singular focus. Against all of the odds.? Overcoming adversity.? Relentless practice. Believing.?
As a 49er fan, you just knew, that you did not want to give Patrick Mahomes the ball back with any time on the clock.? He always has a singular focus on winning the game, by doing whatever it takes to get the job done. He has that mystique and that reputation, which transmits fear into the opposing sidelines.
I also see the word singular with my son, Spencer.? He is an adult with special needs (IDD) who has been working with music and art therapists since he was two years old.? The enormous patience that these therapists have when working with guys like Spencer is otherworldly. To watch the breakthrough of seeing his art sell on Etsy and his learning to play the Cello and performing classical music with his bandmates during a concert recital brings home the meaning of singular.??He in alignment with his teachers continuously achieve a singular outcome - a new piece of art, be it musical or something that is framed.
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The ability to focus on a singular outcome is a learned muscle.? Yet, not all people can maintain a singular focus for the duration. It gets clouded with imposter syndrome, excuses, shiny new objects, and distractions.? All things that I am very familiar with.
How do you maintain your focus on being singular?? On believing in your vision, your voice, and your ability to stay the course, when doubt and doubters becomes an obstacle in your path.
What steps can you take to pull others along with you on your journey toward achieving a singular outcome that you see so clearly??
NOW (How you are realizing this today)
NEW (How you will realize this tomorrow)
NEXT (I see a world in which)?
I see a world in which helping people and companies to understand what makes them singular can move mountains that seemed impossible just a few months ago.?
The Payoff?
“If we came together amassing our collective knowledge, our energy, our hearts, our souls, our assets. Joining forces with the ordinary heroes across this planet, for the singular purpose to create light and peace — in every corner of the world. I believe it is possible. I know it’s possible.”
~ Forest Whitaker, actor and UNESCO special envoy for peace and reconciliation, when discussing humanitarian work at the 23rd Annual Crystal Awards in Davos, 2017?
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Managing Director and Artist
9 个月Thought provoking article on having a Singular focus Tobin (Toby) Trevarthen. When I set my mind to do something, that’s it…?? I just didn’t know the definition …thanks!
I help publishers decode consumer behavior and cultural trends.
9 个月Reminds me of the great quote by James Clear: "Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become."
HR Technology & Strategy (HRIS), Business Analysis, Innovative Human Resources programs, Digital Transformation/Adoption, Podcaster (TechNOVLogic), Host of the Technology Review Council, Speaker/Technology Leader
9 个月Toby, you have written and posted so many thoughtful and inspiring writings, but this one BEATS them all in my opinion. So much so, that I printed it and have it posted on my wall where I can see it EVERYDAY is sit down to work. YOU HAVE OUTDONE YOURSELF....and THANK YOU!!!!!!