On Non-Conformity

Non-Conformity as Perspective

“Nothing pains some people so much as having to think,” said Martin Luther King, Jr. Choosing to think for yourself—instead of following the crowd and blindly accepting a life that isn’t yours—is the basis for true non-conformity. It’s not about rebellion, it’s about self-awareness. A good starting point is to ask yourself, “Why do I do this every day? What am I working toward over time?”

Non-Conformity as Inspiration

We all learn from the lives of those around us, in both direct and indirect ways. Consider others who have redefined risk, finding security for themselves through self-employment, setting off to see the world, or otherwise chosen a road less followed. What can you learn from them? How can their lessons be replicated (initially) and then made into your own?

Non-Conformity as Action

Ultimately, a shift in perspective and the rush of inspiration must transfer to something tangible. Without action, there is no real transformation. Understanding that you don’t have to live your life the way others expect is the first step; making changes in your life to align with that understanding is the real practice. That’s where the real work begins. Fortunately, the real work can be both meaningful and fun.

*Make sure to check out Chris’s upcoming book, The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future.