Don’t fit into anyone’s mold

We live in a world where people, especially those who have some kind of influence over you, expect you to behave in a certain way, do or don’t do certain things, and just fit in a certain mold. Every one seems to have an expectation of you, which you don’t have of yourself. It seems like others want you to be who you are not. Our societies are structured such that we learn to think in some particular ways. What we learn in school, at work, on the media and elsewhere tend to make us think in a certain way about ourselves. The worst part of it is that those who choose to be different may not be popular or, in fact, may be punished for not fitting in the mold. Yet, fitting the mold is the reason most people are unhappy, unfulfilled, unaccomplished and miserable.
 
The reason is simple. We are naturally endowed with gifts and talents, and our true visions and dreams would align with our natural abilities. Unfortunately, most people are unable to express themselves and unable to fulfil their dreams because they are trying to conform to what others think about them. They are fitting in the mold, controlled by what others dictate. Until we become free from the bondage of conformity, we will continue to lack the happiness and fulfillment we deserve. It’s time to start thinking for ourselves and living our lives deliberately, even if it means disagreeing with some people. 
 
I will rather be authentic than fit in the mold. I will rather be true to myself than become a conformist. What about you? Would you let the opinions of others, what they think about you, dictate the course of your life? Would you not rather decided for yourself where your life shall go and then journey on to your destination? Those who live authentic lives find joy and fulfillment at the end of their lives. I have decided to do what I really want to do in life and I hope to get better at it. And you? Don’t fit into anyone’s mold.

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Actions for the week

1. Check if you have been tossed here and there by the opinions of others. Whose opinion has a very strong hold on you? Was that positive or negative? 
2. Decide to always do what you have decided to do. You may gather ideas from others but make the decision your own.
3. Share this message with those in your network.

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A quote to remember 
“No one man can, for any considerable time, wear one face to himself, and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which is the true one.” – Nathaniel Hawthorne

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Until another time,
Dele Ola, Award-Winning Author of Be A Change Agent
​Click HERE to learn about and get copies of Dele’s Books