What is the most nonconformist act you’ve ever committed?

Of course, I’m not going to continue without helping you with the definition of nonconformist, so here it is—a person whose behavior or views do not conform to prevailing ideas or practices.

If your entire life has been built to seek approval from those that you consider authority figures, such as parents, teachers, and bosses, then the likelihood that you’ve stepped out of line is close to zero. All you’ve done is relegate yourself to a small box designed by anyone and everyone but yourself.

So, why am I asking you about nonconforming behavior?

Because I want to encourage you to step out of line.

That’s right. I want you to step beyond your current boundaries and break some rules.

Before I continue, let me be clear that I’m not recommending you break the law. I want you to break a manufactured, fictitious boundary.

Your small act of rebellion or nonconforming could be as simple as wearing mismatched socks or, if you’re a little more daring, having the courage to speak up regarding a social norm that you’ve quietly disagreed with.

You might be concerned that nonconforming might cause you to become an outcast. However, the truth is that whatever culture you currently belong to would be considered very foreign to any previous generation. And don’t forget, you can’t spell culture without the word cult – so to some extent, with or without our permission, by conforming, we’ve all committed to some degree of indoctrination.

So, as you go through your day today, find an opportunity to nonconform. Step out of your box and break a rule or two. Experience the fear, nervousness, and even perhaps excitement of committing an act that some might consider being nonconformist.

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