Adam Grant’s Originals is a revelation for anyone who has ever felt out of step with the conventional wisdom of their workplace or social circle. Grant’s exploration of what it means to be an “original” is both affirming and insightful, making a compelling case for why embracing unique perspectives and dissenting opinions can lead to groundbreaking ideas, positive disruption, and ultimately, societal progress.
In Originals, Grant dissects the mindset of those who take the road less traveled. Through fascinating case studies and well-researched insights, he illustrates how people who push against the grain are often the same people who make the most lasting impacts. He breaks down the psychology of innovators and how their journeys are marked by uncertainty, discomfort, and a fair amount of pushback. But rather than view this pushback as a deterrent, Grant frames it as a hallmark of original thinking—a sign that you’re onto something worthwhile.
Reading Originals was a breakthrough for me. I’ve always had a habit of thinking differently and questioning the norms around me, even when it felt uncomfortable. In school, I’d often find myself challenging what others accepted as fact or suggesting ideas that people around me dismissed as “too complicated” or “unnecessary.” As I moved into the workforce, that discomfort only intensified. Time and again, I’d feel like the odd one out in meetings, bringing up questions or angles that nobody else seemed interested in. For a long time, I felt isolated by these reactions and wondered if it would be easier to just “fit in.”
But Grant’s book gave me a new lens. Through his stories of successful nonconformists, I started to understand that the discomfort I felt wasn’t a weakness—it was the tension that comes from challenging norms. Originals taught me that this unease was a necessary part of growth and creativity. The book provided a framework for channeling that contrarian mindset productively, helping me to see that my unconventional approach wasn’t something to stifle, but to refine and strengthen. Since reading Originals, I’ve become more intentional about owning my voice, recognizing that the very friction I once resented can fuel impactful work.
Grant’s writing is engaging, his insights are practical, and he doesn’t shy away from the difficulties that come with challenging the status quo. Originals is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt pressured to conform, or for those who have spent too long in environments that discourage original thinking. If you’re ready to move past that discomfort and embrace the power of your unique perspective, Originals is the guide you need.
