Have you ever admired that heavily tattooed guy, or maybe the girl sporting a red Mohawk, purely because they have the balls to express themselves and couldn’t care less about what others think?
However, for many of us, being different or unique has a negative connotation. Sure, we’re all a work in progress, but we tend to look at people differently especially if their actions or behaviour does not conform to what we consider as “normal.” Seeking the safety of being in a group traces back to how we survived as a species. After all, when you stick with the herd, you rarely get eaten, right?!
“Mob mentality” or “herd mentality” is the new buzzword used to describe how people are influenced by their peers to adopt certain behaviours. Societal peer pressure to conform runs strong; we are easily influenced by those around us especially in the digital age through social media. Yeah, even as adults we’re prone to be copycats.
But, every single day someone breaks away from the herd to do amazing things. People laughed at Christopher Columbus when he told them that the world is round. Also, did you know that Frederick W. Smith who started FedEx received a “C” for his paper on overnight delivery? Fact is, he started FedEx and now is worth 2.1 billion dollars!
People who’ve achieved massive success aren’t like others. They’ve become who they are because they dared to be different. Alan Ashley-Pitt says: “The man who follows the crowd will usually get no further than the crowd. The man who walks alone is likely to find himself where no one else has ever been.”
So, when was the last time you truly thought about what you believe, dream and feel in your heart and mind? Are you actively and authentically participating in this thing called life, or are you merely existing?
There are many things you can do to start living your best life.
First of all, be true to who you are. Stop being a people pleaser and put yourself first.
Step out of your comfort zone and pursue your passion, even if it makes you feel vulnerable.
Believe in yourself and live more consciously to create your own opportunities.
Be mindful to be happy every day. Life is too precious to be doing anything else.
Learn to say “no”; spend your time and energy on things that bring you fulfilment and happiness.
Stop negative self-talk, celebrate your perfect imperfections and accept yourself for who you are today.
Focus on the abundance of blessings in your life, and spend time with people who love and support you.
Help others. What can you do to make the world a better place? Go and do it.
Take care of your body, because a healthy body leads to a healthy mind. Live an active, healthy lifestyle.
Laugh more.
The choice to be authentic is just that, a choice. Embrace it unapologetically. Here’s to living the best lives that we can: the ones we deserve and are meant to live!
Source: www.lifehack.org, en.wikipedia.org, www.goodreads.com, www.forbes.com, www.isaiahhankel.com, www.wisegeek.com, helix.northwestern.edu, lifeshowyouliveit.com, agirlifeextensionbordenfcs.wordpress.com, operationselfreset.com, www.shewentforherdreams.com, theunboundedspirit.com, www.nytimes.com, www.thebottomthree.com, personalexcellence.co, www.wikihow.com, www.mindbodygreen.com, www.forbes.com, silviapencak.com
