What Is Normal?

To this day, we strive for authenticity in our work habits and veer away from the concept of “normal.” When following a unique vision, you will always encounter naysayers who can’t fully appreciate your vision because they can’t fully understand it. They will tell you that your idea is too risky. They may even suggest that you do something “more normal.” Heaven forbid you become reckless.

It is reckless to be normal at the expense of creating a viable business model and strategy that molds itself to your talents and ambitions. It is also naive. Don’t fall into such a trap or allow yourself to be pressured into doing so.

It’s time to reappropriate the word normal so that it no longer connotes societal standards or what Aunt Marcia thinks you should do, but what is right and “normal” for you. For example, many business offices are filled with suited professionals who arrive at work at nine and leave at five. Just because this is normal doesn’t mean it is the structure that works best for all businesses. In fact, it may not be “normal” for you. It definitely isn’t for us.

We go to our office in jeans and T-shirts because this feels most authentic and normal to us. We also come and go as we please, taking regular breaks for activities such as going to the gym or watching our children’s baseball games. We offer our employees this same flexibility. Our workday isn’t structured around time, but productivity. This offers us a degree of leverage that many of our competitors do not have. Allow your work methods and environment to mold around your individuality. This in turn supports your unique work operations, and will allow you to make the most of your skill sets and expertise.

What is most important to remember is that there is no right or wrong; there is only different. There are numerous methods for accomplishing specific tasks. Don’t waste too much time thinking about this. What is paramount is that you know what methods work best for you.

Don’t be afraid to shake things up a bit as well. We aren’t encouraging recklessness, but an independent, free thinking approach to your goals that supports your gifts and skill sets. Don’t be afraid to build your own route. There is no booklet on how to live your life. If you consistently struggle to conform to societal standards of success, you will consistently struggle to achieve your own.

 

 

 

This article is an excerpt from the book “The Whiteboard: Go from Blank Canvas to a Productive, Leveraged, & Highly-Profitable Business” by Chris Haddon and Jason Balin. Please click here to see more.