The One Who Decides Where To Look
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There's a phenomenon in Tokyo. Sometimes, a person stops and looks down at the pavement, and others, thinking there's something interesting, gather around to see. Soon, a crowd forms, all staring at... nothing.
A funny story, but it perfectly illustrates a dangerous trend in decision-making: just going with the crowd.
Many believe that there's safety in numbers. If everyone is doing it, it must be right. But history tells a different tale.
Take Kodak. Once a leader in photography, they clung to film even as the world shifted to digital. They went with the industry majority, and it cost them their dominance.
Warren Buffett advises, "Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful." It's about thinking independently, assessing risks and rewards based on data and intuition, not popular sentiment.
The crowd? It's reactive. Emotional.
It chases the newest shiny object without pausing to question its value.
When Apple decided to simplify its product in an era of feature overload, many were skeptical.
But Apple didn't follow the trend. They assessed user needs, trusted their vision, and introduced products that changed the game.
Your business and life decisions should be based on your goals, your values, and your research
Not just what everyone else is doing.
The takeaway: think critically. Just because a group is gravitating in one direction doesn't mean it's the best or only path.
In business and life, don't be the person who mindlessly joins a crowd staring at empty space. Be the one who decides where to look.