Conform Or Not To Conform
The paradox of non-conformity
There is rarely a self-help book that does not encourage standing out from crowd.
The rise of non-conformity presents an interesting paradox though.
While Breaking free from rigid societal expectations is liberating, a new pressure to be “different” arises.
It is important to determine whether desire to stand out stems from genuine personal expression or simply conforming to a new societal norm: non-conformity.
Equating Mediocrity With Conformity:
Mantras like,
“Mediocrity finds safety in standardization”
are often casually thrown around for motivation. There’s certainly truth to the idea that standardized systems offer comfort, but it’s a gross oversimplification to equate individuality with mere rebellion against the norm.
Musical Scales are a rigid set of notes, yet within their constraints a boundless universe of melodies is born. Grammar, another system of rules, provides the foundation for countless works of literary brilliance.
Standardization can serve as a springboard, not a shackle, for the creative mind.
Imagine a scientific community where every researcher operated in a complete vacuum, with no shared methodologies. Progress would grind to a halt. Meanwhile, a community bound by unyielding dogma, unwilling to entertain new ideas, would also quickly come to a halt.
This is not to say that mediocrity has no place in standardized systems. There will always be those who simply blend in with the crowd. But the claim that standardization itself breeds mediocrity is to ignore the countless individuals who, within those very structures, find the space to make a difference.
Dropping out of college or pursuing alternative education paths might not always be driven by a genuine desire for a varied learning experience but as a way to stand out from the conventional academic crowd.
Social media too fuels the pressure to stand out. Witnessing peers take the less-travelled path creates a “keeping up with the Joneses” effect, where non-conformity becomes a performance act rather than an individual’s passion.
The new danger is “one-size-fits-all” non-conformity: The pressure to be different can lead to overlooking unique talents and interests that might thrive within traditional structures.
‘BEING THE BEST’ Pressure:
Have you ever considered how many opportunities you have missed because you were afraid of not excelling?
Think about that book you’ve always wanted to write. Maybe you have a passion for storytelling, but the fear of your work gathering dust on bookstore shelves holds you back.
The classic example is of J.K Rowling. When she approached publishers with her manuscript, she encountered multiple rejections.
Twelve publishers turned down the first Harry Potter book, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” . Some publishers believed that the story wouldn’t resonate with readers or it was too long for a children’s book.
The iconic filmmaker, Steven Spielberg, faced multiple rejections from film schools, including the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. However, Spielberg pursued film making independently. Now, I doubt that you are unaware of him.
Walt Disney faced numerous rejections and bankruptcies before creating the iconic character Mickey Mouse and establishing The Walt Disney Company.
Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey and the list goes on.
This sort of perseverance is not possible if the aim is to ‘stand out’ rather than to pursue what you love.
Some questions I often ask myself when in a quandary:
Am I interested in the act itself or the result I would get?
Am I basing decisions on personal reflection or influenced by external pressures?
If I was not concerned about appearing different, would I still do it?
Often, the answers to these questions are not black and white, but they are immensely helpful in aligning the compass.
It is quite possible that you find fulfilment and satisfaction in something that is mainstream. Defining fulfilment on your terms, regardless of societal expectations, is true non-conformity.
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