All of these, and more, had to endure what most pioneers have to put up with. When they want to change the norm - to upset the status quo, others around them go through an interesting process. The same could be said of any organisation or team going through change. Think of a football club going through a 'transitional' period and changing the way they play. Think of a business implementing a new system. All change comes up against people who's view of the world is somehow threatened by it.
Change is often at first ridiculed. People laugh and mock. That will never work; It will never last; It will never catch on; Said with a smirk, a smile and a condescending tone.
When ridicule hasn't put the pioneer off, then nay-sayers turn to opposition - the extremity of which will depend on how seriously and significantly they believe this change will affect their world. That opposition can even turn violent.
If the pioneer persists and their approach appears to pay dividends, people then start to accept that change as the norm. Some come along more quickly than others - some refuse to ever reach the third stage, doggedly sticking to their guns (sometimes literally).
This short video highlights one (less extreme) example. Roger Bannister ran the first sub 4 minute mile. Listen out for the comment by the (very BBC sounding) commentator about half way through... In order to do what many thought impossible, it required a 'pioneering' approach. Bannister suffered ridicule and criticism for his training and racing methods. His methods soon became accepted as the norm though.
Bannister's day in the wind and rain
Next time you are pushing the boundaries, be prepared for a bit of ribbing, then some opposition. With a little resilience, soon you too will help others to accept it as the norm.
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