Yesterday, my 5 year-old son sang with his choir in church, and the name of the song was “I Am Unique.” Imagine the cuteness of 25 kindergartners belting out that phrase. It was beyond sweet.
Later in the day, I was thinking about how as kids get older, being different somehow becomes the thing to avoid. As pre-teens and teens, we yearn to be a part of the crowd and “fit in.” Kids value sameness because they haven’t fully developed the ability to navigate complex social relationships. They believe that their circle is stronger if their friends are similar (when it’s truly quite the opposite). Plus, the process of figuring out how we fit into the world makes us understandably insecure. One way to deflect insecurity is to point out others’ differences to shift attention from our own, of course.
As adults, it’s hard to grow out of that ingrained mentality. But this is hugely important to recognize. After all, what defines every big idea? A spirit of innovation. And what lies at the heart of inventive thinking? A knack for seeing the world in a way no one else does. Difference is the quality that sets you apart on first dates and job interviews. Embracing your uniqueness helps you become the you-est version of you, and there is NO ONE exactly like you.
So let us all belt out “I AM UNIQUE” with the enthusiasm of a kindergartner, and know that we are capable of unimaginable things when we allow ourselves to truly believe we are one-of-a-kind.
Kate Genord 