One of our deepest fears is social exclusion, as being kicked out of one's social group could have meant death in the past when we relied on such groups for survival. However, today we have more freedom to choose our social circles. But our instincts are still adapted to that past environment and it can feel difficult to go against social norms or take leadership roles due to fears of social exclusion. Yet stepping up as a leader can be rewarding, as others may follow once that initial resistance is overcome.

2. One of our deepest fears is social
exclusion.

3. Getting kicked out of the group feels
horrible on a deep level.

4. In our past, we only had our local
group.

5. To get kicked out meant certain death.

6. But today, we have the luxury of
choosing who we hang out with.

7. We can choose who we work for, what
clubs we join, etc.

8. But since our instincts are still living in
the stone age, where they were
developed, it doesn't always feel this
way.

9. It's similar to trying to diet, when
you've got a fridge filled with goodies.

10. You can consciously try all you want to
avoid putting another frozen burrito in
the microwave, but when your
caveman decides to eat, you're going
to eat.

11. You'll tell yourself common lies like,
"It's just this once," or, "Well, I REALLY
get started tomorrow," or, "Well, as
long as I've got these burritos, I may as
well eat them."

12. The truth is our inner caveman is a
highly skilled con artist that would
make P.T. Barnum green with envy.

13. Whenever we're in a group, it can feel
incredibly difficult to speak up, or go
against the flow, or hold fast to your
ideas when people are looking at you
as if you've gone nuts.

14. It can feel comfortable to sit around
and wait for something to happen.

15. Something safe, something that won't
rock the boat.

16. Something that won't require you to
go out on a limb and risk social
exposure.

17. But if we're being honest with
ourselves, sitting around and waiting
for something to happen isn't the
greatest strategy. Especially when
everybody else has that same strategy.

18. But when you step up and go against
the flow, and take a leadership
position, something very interesting
will happen.

19. When I was in junior high school I
made an interesting discovery.

20. Me and a buddy were sitting in a class,
waiting for the bell to ring.

21. We started talking like kids do, how
everybody is an obedient sheep, etc.

22. We decided to "rebel" and stand up
BEFORE the bell rang.

23. But as soon as we did, so did
everybody else.

24. The wonderful truth is that YOU can
BECOME that "thing" that everybody is
waiting to happen.

25. When you throw caution to the wind,
stand up and assert your ideas, people
will follow.

26. Maybe not right away, but you'd be
surprised how little effort it takes.

27. They may be a bit timid at first, and
give you a bit of resistance.

28. Once you overcome that, what
happens next is pretty amazing.

29. The truth is that most of us are
terrified to lead.

30. Terrified to make decisions.

31. Terrified to make a mistake in front of
everybody.

32. Which is why when YOU decide to be
the leader, the rewards will be
enormous.

33. mindpersuasion.com/frame-control/