Because we live in a culture that's so focused on Hits (American Idol, professional sports, blockbuster films, Grisham novels, Lady Gaga), we can easily lose sight of how amazing the Niches are. The sum total of the Niches is far, far greater than the Hits ever can be. And most of the richness in life is, truth be told, down in the Niches. To be a Hit, you have to sand off the edges so that you appeal to everybody. In other words, as you get bigger, you tend to become more average. There are exceptions, but remarkable, visceral Hits that still have some edges are the exception, not the rule.
This means something for us in our everyday lives. We don't have to wait on achieving The Next Big Thing to act. World Peace would be excellent, but setting realistic, local goals means that we'll be able to actually achieve them and make a difference.
We also can, and should, make a difference through our job or business, whatever that may be. Making a difference doesn't have to be a hobby, that we do on the weekends if we have time.
It's 11:59. Don't let The Pressure Of The Hit keep you from starting something. If you help just one person create positive change, you've just performed a sacred act.
(Thanks to Chris Anderson for writing the remarkable The Long Tail, where this concept of Hits and Niches is beautifully and meaningfully explored.)
Interesting post, only if everyone took a few minutes of their day to do something positive. It would make a huge difference. Thanks for posting this.
Posted by: Bucks County Dentist | May 23, 2011 at 03:56 PM
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Posted by: Family Cosmetic Dentistry | July 12, 2011 at 11:41 AM
Thank you to both of you. That means a lot to me.
Posted by: Richard Wilson DMD | July 12, 2011 at 07:24 PM