Very often do people do certain things to be assimilate to the masses to feel like they are doing what someone of their age should be doing by society’s standards at that given point in time.

People buy the same clothes everyone around them seams to be wearing, drive similar cars, and even chase the same goals or love interests because they resemble what they feel the average person their age would have his or her mind on.

Being different, however, is what unlocks the key to the beauty of being human. Being different is what allows us to fully utilize all of the gifts we have given as individuals. Somehow we have changed what was once something to proud of into a crutch that should be nullified by ignorance and self-deception. What ruins our chance to embrace what makes us unique is the natural urge to worry about how others will view our thoughts and actions.

For some people, the opinions of others weigh heavy on their actions and thoughts. Hearing certain mutual conclusions concerning appearance, hobbies, and even some peoples’ vocabulary can make or break how they go about their lives.

While on the other hand, some people could honestly care less about being labeled as different or weird. They would rather be called weird instead of feeling and looking like the drones that make up the masses of society.

It more important to be true to yourself if you want to act on your true purpose in life, but it’s still natural to fulfill your need to be comfortable with yourself by seeking the approval of others with your actions and choices. And if you’re on the other side of the spectrum and you welcome any and all aspects of your diversity, there is plenty of satisfaction and gratification to be had out of that lifestyle as well.

If only people didn’t judge their peers as much they do today. We are all guilty of becoming judgmental pigs by criticizing those who we do not understand or relate to. We all have an internal need to conform to what society finds appealing and try to make everyone around us do the same. We need to let go of this behavior and mentality if we ever want to coexist as a peaceful people.

As we always state, a lion does not worry about the opinions of the sheep. You are you, and there is nobody else like you out there. Showing the world the beauty of your unique passions is what gives your life purpose and the chance to make a name for yourself in the time you have given on this earth. There is nothing wrong with being weird because everybody is, whether they know it or not.

Don’t be one of those people that just lives their life being a people pleaser and a brown noser. It may make you feel good about yourself at first but Lao Tzu was actually teaching this lesson more than 2500 years ago with his infamous quote  “Care about people’s approval and you will be their prisoner”. Apparently we still haven’t gotten the point as seeking the approval of others is still necessary to way too many people today.

What you have to realize is that you can never control what other people might think about you and if you try to, you are going to live your life constantly trying to please people who have never tried to the same for you. So why bother?  Stand for what you believe in, even if it is unpopular.

“If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking.” This is true because progression and advancement cannot transpire if nobody is challenging one another and coming up with different perspectives about what people are truly like inside. If we all just agreed with one another all the time, we would still be living in tents and huts, using camels as transportation.

Our brains are all different from each other’s. To use them is to be different. Don’t just go with what the popular idea is and what the crowd is doing. I remember being young and always being asked, “if all your friends jumped off a bridge and said it was a good idea, would you do it too?” Sure it sounds corny but thinking for yourself is so difficult that we need to be constantly reminded of why it is the right choice, despite all the factors working against it.

Don’t worry about fitting in because if a small portion of the population doesn’t appreciate who you are, it still isn’t going to stop you from doing what your soul strives to do.

Dare to be different, dare to create something that is bigger than you. “I once complained to my father that I didn’t seem to be able to do things the same way other people did. Dad’s advice? ‘Margo, don’t be a sheep. People hate sheep. They eat sheep.’” Margo Kaufman

Know that it is a privilege to be unique, to stand out from the crowd full of people that wish they had the same courage you do. You don’t have to do everything the same way everyone else does. Know that the majority of them are living a mediocre life, one that is empty, void of purpose,and not in tune with their dreams and goals.

They are just wandering through life not knowing what to do or where to go. The only thing they know and are best at, is to be like everybody else… and look where that has gotten them.

Preston Waters | Elite.