Going Against the Status Quo

What do you think of when you hear the words “status quo”? I will admit the first thing that comes to mind is the scene in “National Treasure” (guilty pleasure movie…weird, right?) with Ben Gates, played by Nicholas Cage, and his father discussing their plan of action. But after that…what happens?

The status quo, as it relates to life, is mediocrity. It is evident everywhere…street corners, classrooms, offices, social lives and romantic relationships. Again and again, people settle for less than they deserve. Why? Simple, really. Most do not actually believe they deserve anything more than what they already have.

Mediocrity does not equate to success. It equates to a life you do not really desire with people for whom you care little and a job that slowly kills your spirit. What is life if you are not  enjoying it and flourishing with dreams come true?

All too often in life, we are told to do that which pleases others. We are raised in a way that drives us in the opposite direction of our dreams. It does not have to be like this. If you are anything like me, you just want to jump off the mediocrity bandwagon, whether because of a toxic relationship or a job you hate.

To do this, let us refocus our priorities.

Take control of your life. Try starting with overcoming shyness. Shyness is unattractive in business, leadership, and relationships. Live passionately. Give yourself permission. If you want to do something, do it! Ask for forgiveness later. 😉

You do not need anyone else to feel good about yourself. If you are searching for validation from others, you will always struggle. You have to accept that nobody will ever be able to give any validation that supersedes anything you can get yourself.

Moreover, there is no time to waste caring about the opinions of those who have no effect on your place in life or what they may be saying about you. When you care, you will always be walking on eggshells, tip-toeing a double-edged sword. You feel uncomfortable, confused, even overwhelmed around others. It becomes a paranoia that surrounds you like quicksand; the more you care, the more paranoid you become. The more paranoid you are, the deeper you sink.

Only you can control how you feel about yourself. Be aware of how you feel relative to those around you. Energy is contagious, both positive and negative. Stop taking everything and everyone so seriously–stop taking yourself so seriously! Let your personality shine. Let your inner awesome out. Believe you have it, and you will.

Going against the status quo will not only set you apart from others, but it will allow you to live your life freely. Free of the cautious eye of your peers and expectations of outsiders. Be the person you want to be. This is your life. Nobody can or will live it for you.

Even Ben Gates broke out of the status quo eventually.

Live boldly. Live confidently.