A fact of life... You can not be "the same" and "be better" at the same time.
You can not do whatever everyone else does and have a better outcome.
You can not follow the crowd and lead at the same time.
You can not blend in and avoid normality at the same time.
Being different is the secret of success. While not every difference brings success, the lack of difference always brings failure to excel. This is a truth destroyed by the mindset controlling education. They teach in general that the optimum is to follow the rules, fit in, follow the prescribed path, do what they say, etc. But it is a lie. That is the route to normalcy, or slavery.
If all you wish is to be one of the masses, in descript, unaccomplished, work for a living and enjoy the weekend on your own pleasures, then yes, follow their example. Modern education builds a working class, individuals intent on living for others happily (slaves).
If you wish anything more than that, the first step is to be different being different is not a problem, it is a requirement. It is the first step. Embrace it, enjoy it. Being different is what opens the world for new possibilities. It is the escape from servitude. Being different is liberty.
Jesus even spoke of this, he stressed how we must "come out of the world" "be transformed not conformed" " be in the world but not of the world" "be the salt of the earth" ... Etc. Much of the new testament Bible speaks of being different as a requirement for peace, for success.
I wise man once said, "if you have to tell someone your a Christian, don't bother". If we are not different enough in our everyday life so that a cursory look shows "oh wow, they must be christian" , then we are not. It is being different that is the measuring stick.
Not all differences are good of course, but only difference is good. That is the key. Only difference is good.
