Can’t you just be normal?

From the day I became self-aware, something always felt off. The things other people did confused me. It seemed like everyone else had it figured out—they knew exactly what to like to be “cool.” They knew the right things to say, the right things to do. More than anything, they seemed “normal.”

Before we go further, let’s define that. When I say normal, I mean blending in—being just like everyone else. The people around me seemed to instinctively know how to fit in, how to “person” correctly. They quoted the same movies, listened to the right music, even brought the same kinds of lunches. They fit the mold perfectly.

This led me to a realization that would shape my life from elementary school onward: most people were faking it. They didn’t actually like all those things—they were just doing what it took to be accepted. So, I started doing the same. I studied what people liked, who they followed, how they acted—and I mirrored it all in an effort to belong.

But here’s what stood out: at best, it got me to the middle. I wasn’t cool, but I wasn’t uncool either. I was the embodiment of average. I did everything the "cool" kids did—so why wasn’t it working? What was I missing?

It wasn’t until my 20s that I found the answer. And it didn’t come in some grand epiphany—it came because I was exhausted. I was tired of shoving down the things I genuinely loved just to chase acceptance. I hit a point where I said, “Fuck it. I’m done.” From then on, I was going to be myself, do what I wanted, and see what happened.

And strangely enough—it worked. Better than I ever expected.

What I realized is that school is a poor representation of the real world. In school, there’s a rigid mold. But the real world is full of variety, full of niches, full of room for everyone. The tragedy is that our school experiences shape us deeply. They make or break our confidence. But they’re not reality—they’re just a distorted version of it.

Once I let go of trying to fit in, I started to truly enjoy life. And more than that, I unlocked a part of myself I hadn’t even realized was limited. When your identity depends on checking certain boxes, you can only go as far as the boxes allow. But when you let go of those limits—when you stop saying “this is who I have to be”—you become capable of anything.

And that’s the most important part of all this:
You are capable of more than you believe.

Yes, it sounds cliché—but it’s true. People don’t get what they want out of life because they put invisible limits on themselves. They accept a version of themselves defined by fear, by the need to fit in, by old narratives. But once you stop clinging to the idea of who you think you’re supposed to be, and start believing you can become whoever you want—everything changes.

Suddenly, things start falling into place. Life feels right. You feel lighter. Yes, people may mock you at first. But in time, they’ll respect you—even admire you—for being true to yourself. And sometimes, when people get mad at you for being authentic, it’s not because they disapprove—it’s because they’re jealous. You had the courage to break free when they couldn’t.

People mock others to keep them in line. And you? You’ll frustrate them when you refuse to stay in your place—and then go on to surpass them.

So no, don’t “just be normal.”

Here’s something obvious that people still miss:
If you're normal, the best you can hope for is what everyone else has.
And let’s be honest—is everyone else rich? Attractive? Funny? Skilled? Kind? Generous?
No.
They’re average.

So screw being normal. Be you.
It’s the only way to become anything. -Scott