Is Conformity or Originality the Best Path in Life?

“Originality brings more bumps in the road, yet it leaves us with more happiness and a greater sense of meaning.” Adam Grant

In his book Originals, Adam Grant closed with this: “Becoming original is not the easiest path in the pursuit of happiness but it leaves us perfectly poised for the happiness of pursuit.”

Conformity is not a recipe for success nor is it a recipe for happiness. It is a path for staying average. The struggle, the challenge, the chaos, the heartache that comes by creating our own paths in life is what stops many people from pursuing it but it is these paths that create the greatest sense of freedom, fulfillment, and happiness.

An original journey in life may feel like we are constantly swimming against the current as we battle to make things better but that is the process we will find the greatest purpose.

As a swimmer myself if is hard to swim the first 500 meters, the pain makes you want to stop – but when you break through that point at 500 meters you get into “flow” and in “flow: that is where the magic happens. It might take 6 months, a year, 5 years to find that flow yet when you do the journey and life become rich.

Enjoy this thought!

Further Reading and Resources 

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Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

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Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

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Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.

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