Many of us seek to fit in so that we’re accepted. From a young age, it’s almost second nature to put on a different persona around your peers— if we act like them, they’ll like us, right?
Not necessarily. Conforming to the norm doesn’t serve you in the long run, either. You were born to stand out!
“Fitting in allows you to blend in with everyone else, but being different allows you to be yourself, to be unique, and to be more creative.” ~Sonya Parker
Picture this:
It’s your first week of work at a new job, and you sit at your first meeting at the end of the week. You’ve been there long enough to meet some of your coworkers and understand the work culture, and current events. Your boss has an obstacle, and you have a great idea on how to solve the issue, but no one else is pitching in and you’re nervous to stand out among the crowd as a new employee, so you say nothing. The issue persists, and the atmosphere becomes more tense among your peers.
Sure, you fit in with the crowd—but at what cost?
When you always seek to fit in, you’re giving up your power of uniqueness. People who are different are memorable, if nothing else— and when you can show your true self to others, your talents shine even brighter.
“I find that the very things that I get criticized for, which is usually being different and just doing my own thing and just being original, is the very thing that’s making me successful.” ~Shania Twain
There is power in individuality. When you accept that you’re different, you’re taking back your power in a way that lets others know how confident you are in your own skin!
When you allow yourself to be different, you give yourself permission to explore new things and get out of your comfort zone. You turn your dreams into reality, and you give yourself permission to discover endless possibilities. Being different can be incredibly advantageous if you learn to embrace it— and it will spice up your life. It highlights your originality and authenticity, and makes you stand out in many ways.
“Normal is not something to aspire to, it’s something to get away from.” ~Jodie Foster
Here are some tips to help you Take Back Your Power and embrace your individuality:
- Be prepared. When an opportunity turns up, the person who is ready and able to be part whatever needs to happen will always stand out.
- Practice listening. Learn to truly listen—to develop a deep understanding and hear what’s being said beyond the words. Asking questions to help you understand is also helpful. You will stand out in any situation if you become a person who actively listens to understand, instead of just to reply.
- Be a great collaborator. Be a team player. Make others look good and sound good. People remember how you made them feel—and when people feel good around you, you stand out.
- Dress to impress. When you look good, you feel good— and confidence is key when you’re embracing your unique qualities.
- Take yourself seriously. Being a entrepreneur, leader, or businessperson requires that you become a master at your craft. It means constantly developing your skills in every way possible. When you take yourself seriously, so do others.
There are things in this world that only you can see and accomplish, and in order to create your own version of success, stepping into your individuality is a must. Don’t make yourself fit into another reality or narrative. Your uniqueness isn’t meant to fit into the norm. Go out and let yourself shine!