Which is better: being normal or being weird?
Most of us go to great lengths to harmonize with the standards of one group or another. We think of ourselves as individualists, but the truth is, we are all more conformists that we want to admit.
Normal is a powerful gravitational force to be reckoned with.
Weird takes effort and it involves risk.
Therefore, because we tend to take the path of least resistance and we like to stay where it is comfortable — not risky — normal is the predominant condition.
But, is it better?
This Is Normal: Houston We Have a Problem
Most people are normal. In fact, that’s sort of how we define normal, isn’t it?
Well, if normal is what the majority is doing, then I think we have a problem — a major malfunction.
Here’s what is normal:
- 68% of Americans are overweight or obese. [1]
- 53% of Americans fail to meet the CDC guidelines for healthy aerobic activity. [2]
- 60% of marriages for couples between the ages of 20 and 25 end in divorce. [3]
- 50% of Americans have less than one months income in savings. [4]
- 67% or more of Americans are disengaged at work. [5]
- 55% of Americans are unsatisfied with their jobs. [6]
Is this how we want to live? Is this the pattern we want to follow?
Normal doesn’t seem to be working. Normal paints a pretty bleak picture.
An Even Bigger Problem With Normal
Have you heard people talk about the “new normal”? When you stop and think about it, isn’t it interesting that normal changes?
We measure ourselves by this standard that we call “normal”. Yet, normal is a moving target.
As a human being, you are very adaptable to this forever changing standard.
Therein lies a big problem.
As I already covered, normal isn’t all that it is cracked up to be. Normal sets a very low standard. When you measure yourself by what is normal, and we all do, you aren’t setting the bar high enough for yourself.
And here’s the worst part, the bar just keeps slipping lower.
What we consider normal and acceptable behavior today, was greatly frowned upon in the past.
For example:
- It used to be taboo to get divorced, now it is normal.
- Debt used to be a no-no, now it is widely accepted.
- Tattoos used to be for sailors, now young girls are getting them.
- Switching jobs frequently used to say you were a risky hire, now it means you are a mover and a shaker.
I list these things out to make a point.
You need to be very careful about what standards you measure yourself against.
Choose to Be Weird
Going against the grain and being weird compared to what is normal is often a good thing. I’m not talking about getting yourself a punk hairdo and a bunch of piercings either.
I’m suggesting you start thinking for yourself instead of letting normal pull you down into mediocrity or worse.
Be brave enough to challenge the status quo and stop being a conformist.
If you think you’ve fallen victim to being more normal than you should be, then maybe it is time to give yourself a reality check.
If you are worried what people will think, I’d tell you not to fret much about it. Yes, there are some of your friends that might make fun of you at first. However, most people – those worth being around – will quickly see the intelligence in what you are doing and respect you for it.
Maybe it is time for you to be weird by:
- Saying no to fast food
- Deciding to become debt-free
- Choosing to love your spouse
- Embracing exercise
- Attending a church service
- Refusing to go to the mall
- Turning off the TV and reading a book
- Staying home this weekend
- Giving your time or money to a great cause
Few people have the guts to be weird in the ways that really count for something. However, those that do find happiness, fulfillment and a sense of purpose like never before.
Are you going to be normal or weird? Let me know your thoughts by leaving me a comment. I’d love to hear from you!
Photo: Copyright PhotoXpress.com
Thanks for the great post!
I always wanted to be the “Weird” person or another better way to say this, I want to be the unique 5%! I want to be more successful, more productive, more positive and more focus!
P/S: I will continue reading, but I won’t stop TV (no life?)… HAHA!
Cheers,
Dennis
Dennis, you are right, unique is probably a better way to say it. The point is that instead of going with the flow, we need to stand out from the crowd in a positive way. Stop doing what everyone else is doing just because that’s what everyone else is doing. This leads to some pretty poor results. I’m glad you choose to be weird. I’m right there with you!
Hi Jeff,
I’m not American however your stats probably hold true down here. ‘Normal’ is hard for me to define however it probably comes down to ‘what is accepted’…in a recent post of mine I said that I don’t like to be categorised so normal/weird doesn’t fit…I guess I’m just ‘me’. If people stopped accepting what others say/do(& stopped being ‘normal’) & exercised their own choices…maybe things will be different. Thankyou for this
be good to yourself
David
David Stevens´s last [type] ..Rest, Renewal, Reflection…it’s time
David, isn’t normal what is accepted? I don’t know. Either way, it means the same to me. As you say, we all need to stop worrying so much about what others think and do what is smart. Thanks for chiming in!
Well, that’s a really interesting topic that you raised in the post, because I’m currently thinking about a weird hairdo. No, it’s not going to be a punk one, but the level of weirdness would be pretty much the same. I personally think that I’m gonna love it, but I’m just not sure what the people around me will think about that
Vince´s last [type] ..Photoshop CS6 Tutorials: Create Oil Painting Photo Effects
Vince, we all seem so afraid to step out of the norm and try something new and inspiring. Sometimes an outward expression, like a new haircut, will embolden us to try other new, more meaningful things in other areas of our lives. I say go for it!
Wow, really a timely topic and well said. It’s time to stop evaluating ourselves by comparison to what “everybody” does or is, and reaching for something higher. I hope you don’t mind if I link to this post on Facebook and Twitter and encourage folks to read and think about this!
Laura
Laura McClellan´s last [type] ..New Adventure for Me!
Laura, I’m glad you enjoyed this topic. I’d be honored if you would share it on Facebook and Twitter. I hope it helps people stop for a moment and think about their lives. Thanks!
Hey Jeff,
Great post! Not much of a conformist here, but it doesn’t make life easy sometimes, though of course I’m not that far off from “normal,” at least as I define it.
All depends on context: in my neighborhood I’m kinda weird to a lot of people (single, thin, vegetarian, non-TV watching, no kids, athletic, non-partying, runs-own-business gal owning her own home in a middle class family neighborhood raises eyebrows, of course lol)
Out on the town with some of my more radical friends with far more piercings than me plus tattoos, for example (alas, I have none) I’m extremely ho-hum boring suburban conformist
Different is good. Oh and I don’t have cable, which means no TV except occasional (rare) movies. Junk food?
Leah McClellan´s last [type] ..Don’t think you’re changing the world if all you’re doing is whining about it
Leah, you definitely open yourself up for criticism when you break the mold of what is normal. I have another post coming up soon on that very topic!
I love this article! I’ve choosen to be weird since last year, and never felt so great about it. I’ve been following your post for some time now, and I couldn’t be happier reading it. I love it! I really feel identified with this post! Thank you!
Cheers from Argentina!
Mary, I’m glad that you are being weird and that it is working out for you! I’ve been at least a little weird for a long time.
Great to hear from a friend in Argentina!
being wierd looks near to being my own self and more like a human being independent of being a tech-addict for survival