Why Be Normal

(Photo: Fuzzy Gerdes)

Do You Need to be Normal to be Happy?

I remember a popular bumper sticker that read “Why Be Normal?” It is a good question. It seems that as human beings we strive for “normalcy” – if by normal we mean conformity. There has to be some level that a society defines as “Normal” – or we run the risk of total anarchy.

As youngsters, we feel immense pressure to be normal – to fit in, this is why most teenagers look alike, sound alike, and like the same music. As adults, a definition of normal and accepted group behaviors is what allows groups as diverse as cooking classes to networking organizations to function.

Yet, what is so great about normal? Is not another word for normal ordinary? Who are the heroes in your life – the people you admire? Would they be considered “normal?” or extraordinary? Were Galileo, Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Einstein, even John Lennon or Elvis for that matter –considered normal? While there is probably something very basic to survival that drives normalcy, the instinct that keeps one from “standing out from the crowd” so as not to be picked off by a lion on the plains of Africa – also stifles creativity.

Certainly, there is security and reassurance in adopting the “normal” behaviors of a given group. Conformity provides a sense of assurance, well-being – and identity. I am sure there are many people perfectly happy to be normal. There is a certain comfort in complacency. And yet, I believe there are just as many of us who are straining at the bit, just dying to break out of the constraints of normalcy – and for them the road to true happiness is not to be just like everyone else – but to dare to be considered different!

There are many things that can stand in the way of happiness and success. Having a negative self-image is certainly one of them. However, a misplaced belief in what you think you need to do to be considered “normal” can be another roadblock — and one that is often overlooked. Renowned motivational writer and speaker Wayne Dyer, wrote in his book Excuses Begone, that we need to make a list of all the things we are “unwilling to do to achieve the life we want” –with the ultimate goal of having a blank sheet.

Now, I am not suggesting being weird for weirdness sake, and that you go to your next networking meeting dressed as a chicken. However in each of us there is an opportunity to step beyond our comfort zone just a little bit, and in doing so you might surprise yourself, and others with just how extraordinary being “abnormal” can be!

The Benefits of Keeping A Journal

(Photo: Paul Watson)

Benefits of Journaling

If you want to remember something, write it down.

This is good advice. In our business pursuits – we know that nothing is confirmed until we “put it in writing.” This is also true in the areas of success and personal growth. The experts agree that a good way to set goals, be accountable, and track your progress, is by keeping a daily journal.

Pathologists and motivational trainers alike agree that journal keeping is a great road to self-discovery. Writing in a journal provides ways for you to  express your thoughts and emotions, describe problems and “brainstorm” on possible solutions. A journal also provides a place to express negative thoughts and get them “out of your system” in a positive way before they well up inside of you – potentially damaging yourself and those around you.  In his book The Healing Journey: Your Journal of Self-Discovery, Phil Rich, Ed.D., MSW, says,

[A journal] can be a place for people to talk and be honest with themselves in a way that may be difficult under other circumstances.

Other benefits of keeping a personal growth journal include:

• Recording your thoughts, ideas, inspirations – Our mind’s process information constantly. A journal is a wonderful way to record great ideas, or that fleeting thought you want to get back to – before it’s gone. In fact, many experts suggest keeping your journal on your nightstand – because our best ideas, or solutions to problems occur when our mind is in the relaxed alpha state just prior to falling asleep.
• Planning for your life – It is no coincidence that life coaches and motivational speakers use metaphors such as “Charting Your Course” or “Road Map” to success – when speaking of personal growth. Maps and nautical charts are a concrete plan, or direction – on paper.
• Improves your writing skills – Today everybody has a story tell, and there are many forums to do so from Blogs to social networking sites to local newspapers. Keeping a daily journal will improve your writing and communication skills.
• Time Management – Writing things you want to accomplish down in a journal helps you get a better handle on how many things you need to do – and realistically just how long it may take to do them.
• Journals are Empowering – Journal writing is empowering on many levels. It affirms your reality and your place in the world. Your journal will get you to know yourself better, which will improve your relationships, and journals  can be an outlet for temptations, or things you would never say or do in actuality.

Journal keeping in and of itself is a positive use of idle time. It is a stress reliever, and journal writing can actually train your mind to think clearer, better, and more consciously as you get in the habit of recalling experiences, penning observations, and drawing conclusions about them.