Recognizing the prevailing winds and running with them are two entirely different games. One is observation; the other is strategy. If you think just because you see the trends, you should blindly follow, you're setting yourself up for mediocrity at best, and disaster at worst.
The successful titans in any field—business, politics, sports—they don't just feel the winds and set sail. No, they chart a course. They decide whether the prevailing winds will serve their journey or steer them off a cliff. Sometimes the wisest thing you can do is tack against the wind if it’s taking everyone else in the wrong direction.
Being contrarian for the sake of it isn't smart either. But questioning the prevailing wisdom, that's a sign of critical thinking. When everyone zigs, consider zagging. Why? Because where there's a gold rush, the real money is often in selling shovels, not in joining the hordes scrambling for nuggets.
So, take note of the prevailing winds, by all means. But don't be a leaf carried aimlessly by the breeze. Be the damn pilot who knows when to go with the wind and when to steer against it to reach his chosen destination. Understand?
#SetYourCourse