Maverick Mentality: What it is and what it isn’t
I was recently listening to an episode of Dr. Michael Gervais’ podcast series, “Finding Mastery,” and in this particular episode, he was having an enlightening conversation with Big Wave surfer, astounding sportsman, and incredibly astute individual, Tom Carrol. This theme of “what it means to be a maverick” was threaded throughout the conversation and I have been pondering the idea ever since. Initially, I found myself nodding along in subtle agreement with the thought that a maverick is just someone who has paved their own path and has found success in a “stand-alone” type of way, but the longer I sat on this idea, the more I realized 1) Dr. Gervais is far too intelligent and intentional with his words to settle on such a superficial meaning, and 2) this concept of being a maverick had to be so much more complex and layered than the constructs of a few words in the English language could describe.
When you hear the word “maverick,” what typically comes to mind? I’m inclined to think most either envision an idolized individual whose mentality revolves around fearlessly inviting risk and steering away from the norm to find high levels of success, or perhaps, the opposite; some may envision the undesired “lone wolf” who is strong-willed, uncooperative, and prefers to strive for success in solidarity. While there may be cases that could provide relevant arguments for each of these frameworks, I challenge that neither of these are the most accurate depiction of who a maverick truly is. Rather, these are the polarized descriptions of a maverick’s perceived processes. Underneath the surface level definitions is deeper meaning and value in developing a maverick mentality to pursue excellence on any stage.
A maverick can be defined as an individual who thinks and acts in an independent way, often behaving differently from the ‘norm’ or typical way (dictionary.cambridge.org). This definition illuminates a variety of key components needed in the pursuit of excellence and continued success. I want to debunk the myths surrounding the negative connotation(s) of what it means to be a maverick and elucidate why the factors separating mavericks from everyone else can be beneficial when applied appropriately in the context of performance:
Be the exception to the rule: Few individuals choose to “train the mind” even though it arguably accounts for at least half of any performance. When we set out for any physical conquest, it would be shameful, and in all honesty, quite negligent, to show up without any kind of physical preparation. However, the same value is rarely placed on mental training and preparation. If we are unwilling to leave the physical components to chance, why are we so willing to chance the mental? There are so many resources providing information about the impact and benefits of prioritizing mental training like increased sense of purpose, improved attention, minimized detrimental effects of stress and anxiety, and increased confidence (Zeidan, Johnson, Diamond, David, & Goolkasian, 2010; Slagter, Lutz, Greischar, Nieuwenhuis, & Davidson, 2009; Driskell, Copper, & Moran, 1994), but this component of performance is still less commonly incorporated into any type of training or preparation regimens. Mavericks do not overlook details, especially the ones that can make such a prominent impact on their ability to achieve success. Invest in yourself. Be willing to do what others aren’t to achieve what others haven’t.
Trust yourself: Mavericks are often noted for their ability to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals with relentless tenacity and confidence in their ability to overcome any obstacles in their way. Mavericks are capable of overcoming adversity because of their inherent trust in not only themselves, but in their purpose; they know exactly WHO they are and WHY they do what they do. A maverick has to understand both what they bring to the table, AKA their strengths, as well as what they don’t, AKA their weaknesses. This requires an impeccable sense of self-awareness which is easier said than done. However, when self-awareness can be developed and continually refined, one is able to increase their threshold for managing the unknown and carve out new paths in pursuit of success. Trust in oneself is best built when you can accept that there are a limited number of things within your control, while also knowing with absolute certainty that you have done everything you can to best prepare for what you do have control over (Jones, 2002).
Innovation vs. Collaboration: A common misconception associated with being a maverick is that it requires a heightened sense of individualism to be innovative and I entirely disagree (Bandi, 2017). While I think it is important for individuals to willingly be the exception regarding their approach to preparation and ideas about what contributes to success, I also believe success is truly found when serving a purpose bigger than oneself which means working with and for others; a maverick does not have to be the lone wolf, in fact probably can’t be, to achieve the most success. A true maverick is able to maintain their creative and innovative nature whilst communicating those ideas and collaborating with others to turn their vision into reality in the most meaningful way. Rather than maintaining innovation over collaboration or vice versa, a maverick generates balance between the two and that is where excellence is found.
These are the components that identify and separate a maverick from everyone else; mavericks are neither something to be unrealistically idolized, nor feared, rather something to strive for with intentionality and understanding of what a maverick mentality is truly comprised of. By utilizing a specific set of mental skills and incorporating mental training into your performance processes, you can develop the maverick mentality needed to achieve your goals, chase your dreams, and continually pursue excellence. How is your process contributing to your success? How is it taking away from it? Begin to build awareness about where you are at, where you want to go, and commit to developing the mentality it takes to get there.
“You need to know who you are to know where you want to go and how you are going to get there.”
Author: Stephanie Hale
References:
Bandi, J. (2017, March 15). Mavericks Explained- What being a maverick is all about? Retrieved September 23, 2018, from https://medium.com/@johnsonbandi/mavericks-explained-what-being-a-maverick-is-all-about-f67b50dd400b
Driskell, J. E., Copper, C., & Moran, A. (1994). Does mental practice enhance performance?. Journal of applied psychology, 79(4), 481.
Jones, G. (2002). Performance excellence: A personal perspective on the link between sport and business. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 14(4), 268-281.
Slagter, H. A., Lutz, A., Greischar, L. L., Nieuwenhuis, S., & Davidson, R. J. (2009). Theta phase synchrony and conscious target perception: impact of intensive mental training. Journal of cognitive neuroscience, 21(8), 1536-1549.
Zeidan, F., Johnson, S. K., Diamond, B. J., David, Z., & Goolkasian, P. (2010). Mindfulness meditation improves cognition: Evidence of brief mental training. Consciousness and cognition, 19(2), 597-605.