I got a gift this Christmas that I wasn’t expecting. My wife and I have a rule that we don’t buy gifts for each other, rather we spend money on experiences and things for the home. Our boys are the recipients of the gifts from us and other family members.

This year there was a odd shaped box with my name on it. When I opened it, it was an Apple Watch. I was floored because I’ve been looking at these watches, yet I don’t buy watches unless my old one is worn out. That means I get a new watch about every 10 years.

I have to say, this watch is cooler than I thought it would be. It is fun technology that I could live without, but it’s great to have it.

The theme for this post is not about my Apple Watch, but rather that this technology on my wrist was made possible by early adopters.

Think if of all the high tech devices we have today that used to cost so much more in the past.  I can remember when DVD players were hundreds of dollars, some even over a $1000. Now you can buy a Blue Ray player for under a $100.

Early adopters of any advanced technology pay more to get the technology first and that opens up a new market for expanding the technology and lowering the costs for everyone else. Often the later versions of any technology is better as well as cheaper.

Thanks Early Adopters.

Today when I see a 80K Tesla Sedan I don’t get jealous (well maybe a little) I think, “Thanks Early Adopter, you’re making it possible for the rest of us”.

Sometime in the near future there will be 30K Teslsa and as a result of their success  major car companies are investing in electric and hybrid cars. All this is possible by the Early Adopters who bought the first electric cars with short ranges and high costs which is leading to better technology for the rest of us.

Other Early Adopters have been purchasing organic foods way before Whole Foods came on the scene, which has created a broader market for organics. Currently Walmart is one of the largest retailers of organic food in the country.  As a result, prices are dropping for organics and it’s easier to find.

There are so many great ideas about products and initiatives that can lead to clean energy and a healthier planet. Some people are driving a fuel efficient or electric car, putting solar panels on their homes, or switching to smart technology to manage their cooling and heating. Companies are doing the same.

Other people are changing their diets and purchasing healthier foods which is creating more demand and more supply of “better for us” foods.

Amidst all the negativity in the news about political strife, violence, and discrimination I hope that more people will join the the early adopters of peace and reconciliation.  I hope that more people will join the early adopters of civility. This will go a long way to making our country and world a better place.

My question for you (and myself) is what kind of early adoption can you make so it will be easier for others in the future?

• Is there a technology you can buy  that will save resources and improve the health of the environment?
• Is there a lifestyle you can adopt that will encourage others to live better lives?
• Is there a way of thinking and living that will improve your life and encourage others to improve theirs?

Join me and be an early adopter in any way you can.

(The 5Percenters blog and podcast will be relaunching in February with a new format and title. Be sure to return and share this post with your friends)

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