Let’s start by traveling back in time to science class. One of the foundational insights we learned about our human anatomy is that our blood circulates through our body to deliver oxygen and nutrients to cells while also removing waste. This circulatory system of the heart and blood vessels is vital for maintaining our body’s function. Today the concept of blood circulation is a foundational understanding in physiology but when this idea was first discovered, it was met with ridicule and rejection.

In the 1600s, the heart had significant meaning in many religions and art. It was considered a secret compartment where love and passion resided. At this time, blood was thought to be produced in the liver and consumed by the body. William Harvey contradictorily presented evidence that blood flowed in a continuous loop driven by the heart. While Harvey’s work eventually transformed the understanding of human physiology, his research that challenged traditional views brought a monsoon of resistance and denial. Thought to be crazy for his idea of blood circulation, Harvey pioneered what ended up being such a key aspect to understanding further how our body operates.

If we take a trip back in time we’ll come across endless examples of those that were thought to be crazy in their time that ended up changing the world like William Harvey.

Galileo thought the Sun, not the Earth, was the center of the universe – crazy.

Amelia Ehrhart wanted to fly solo across the Atlantic – crazy.

Frida Kahlo, the Mexican artist, explored themes of pain and resilience with her bold colors and symbolic imagery – crazy.

Florence Nightingale insisted the importance of sanitary conditions and patient care on her way to influencing the importance of a nurse in medical practice – crazy.

Rachel Carson believed pesticides were having a devasting effect on wildlife and human life that created extensive backlash but eventually was seen as a key part to establishing the EPA – crazy.

Looking at all these historical figures, if we’re to dive into their biographies there’s little to no chance the storyline states ‘big idea was met with no pushback’ or ‘everyone agrees with this new way to look at the world’.

These ideas and perspectives that revolutionize how we see or understand the world are not meant to be easily understood. After all, these ideas are trying to pull people away from an understanding or truth they’re anchored to. And sometimes that anchor is wedged far below. When we challenge the status quo, it’s no surprise pushback will ensue, and struggle will start. Change doesn’t come with an easy road ahead.

So, what if we’re the ones with the “crazy” idea? One thing we must remember is that it’s okay that we’re misunderstood. Some things we embark on in life to push to find what we’re capable of are not going to be normal to many. But because it’s not normal to others doesn’t mean we shouldn’t push ourselves for what we believe we can accomplish.

When you have a transformative idea at work, it’s most likely not going to be welcomed with open arms. This initial pushback doesn’t mean it’s not worth pursuing to make an impact. When you’re on a journey for better health and wellness and your life decisions don’t align with how your group of friends live their life, that’s okay. It may seem crazy you bypass the greasy cheeseburger night or the mid-week drinks to stay on your path of health and wellness but this is your journey and it’s not always meant for others to understand.

Whatever impact you’re looking to make, it’s highly likely it will be met with resistance. Forging a transformative path ahead is no easy task but it’s critical to understand when your new perspective or idea is met with resistance, this is not a sign to give up. This is a time to acknowledge what you’re trying to do conflicts with how this person or group of people see the world. We as humans are not good at flipping our mind to update our understanding of a truth so if you truly believe in your idea or perspective and it can make a positive impact, smile and understand it’s going to be a process to evolve how others see a situation or perspective. Keep fighting for the “crazy” idea.

Take your step: is there an idea you’ve been kicking around for a while that can make a positive impact but hesitate because you know it will be met with resistance? In these moments one mindset shift that may be beneficial is to expect resistance. When we’re on a path to believing our idea or perspective is great and everyone will agree to only be met with pushbacks, it’s not easy to rebound and keep pushing the idea forward. But if we shift our mindset to expect resistance and we face pushbacks, we’re more prepared and understand it’s a battle that may take time. Be the change you want to see but understand resistance will be part of the road ahead fighting for the “crazy” ideas.

Apple’s “Think Different” campaign said it well:

Here’s to the crazy ones.
The misfits.
The rebels.
The troublemakers.
The round pegs in the square holes.
The ones who see things differently.
They’re not fond of rules,
and they have no respect for the status quo.
You can quote them,
disagree with them,
glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them.
Because they change things.
They push the human race forward.
And while some may see them as the crazy ones,
we see genius.
Because the people who are crazy enough
to think they can change the world,
are the ones who do.