Are you an original thinker or a crowd follower? It is easy to do what a leader tells you without weighing the consequences of your actions, but is it right? Going along with a crowd is your decision, but peer pressure is powerful. Crowds get carried away in their actions. Indeed, only the leader may be thinking and the rest of the individuals are caught up in the momentum. Following the herd can cause race riots, stock market crashes and bank runs.

As an original thinker, you decide the worth and consequences of your exploits by taking into account your religious and moral belief systems. While you need to be guided by individuals in authority, you need to know why you are doing something. Being the leader means taking responsibility for your actions. Your decisions may not always be popular, but knowing how to methodically weigh the facts, working from a position of strength, will propel you into success.

When thinking for yourself, be careful not to fall into a reactive mode, where you are being forced to make decisions out of desperation. Attempt to plan ahead so that you have time for rational solutions. For example, if you need money, plan how to earn it rather than just stealing it.

It takes courage to be original. Many times you must go against the crowd. Individuals are quick to inform you that you are wrong. However, if you have carefully weighed the pros and cons of your decision and can support your choice with facts and experience, stick to your plan. If you are not sure about the wisdom of the action, delay the deed or consult a wiser individual.