What are signs of exceptionalism?
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Signs of exceptionalism often appear early in life and can be diverse in nature. Here are some key indicators, as discussed by experts:
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Early Entrepreneurial Ventures: Amjad Masad shared that early successes, such as finding arbitrage opportunities and starting businesses as a preteen, are significant signs of exceptionalism . Such experiences demonstrate an inherent drive and hunger for success 1.
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High Personal Exceptionalism: According to Alice Bentinck, a belief that one's odds differ from peers—termed "high personal exceptionalism"—is crucial. This is not about overconfidence but a mindset that their chances are unique, often coupled with a high growth mindset and coachability 2.
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Intrinsic Motivation and Persistence: Persistent pursuit of passions, irrespective of external validation, is another sign. For example, Mario Schlosser highlighted his early immersion in computer science driven by intrinsic motivation 3.
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Risk-Taking and Nonconformity: Exceptional individuals often take significant personal risks and break out of societal norms. Michael Dearing emphasized that exceptional people usually take sharp turns or risks that lead to unique outcomes, setting them apart from their peers 4.
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Obsessive Drive: Successful founders often exhibit a deeply obsessive nature about various interests, which translates into their ventures. This obsession can vary in focus but shows a deep drive to excel 2.
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Acceptance of Peculiarities: Embracing one's own peculiarities and rejecting societal norms to follow personal beliefs is another hallmark. Alex Hormozi suggests that many people have the potential to be exceptional if they embrace their unique traits instead of conforming 5.
These traits highlight a combination of early behavior, mindset, and unique personal characteristics that often signal future exceptionalism.
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