Let’s face it.
Everywhere we turn, we’re told that success is about being exceptional.
Whether it’s the best grades, a booming career, or the ideal lifestyle, society has this idea that if you aren’t exceptional, you’re missing out.
But, here’s the twist from The Courage to Be Disliked:
True happiness doesn’t come from being extraordinary—it comes from having the courage to be normal.
I know, it sounds counterintuitive.
In a world that prizes uniqueness, achievement, and fame, the thought of embracing “normalcy” seems almost disappointing.
But stick with me—because when you let go of this constant pressure to be exceptional, you’ll start to feel something that’s often overlooked: peace.
The Burden of Exceptionalism
From the moment we’re born, we’re taught that success is all about standing out.
We strive for A’s, we compare ourselves to the achievers around us, and we constantly push ourselves to be better than the next person.
Society tells us that in order to be valued, we have to be exceptional.
The problem?
This constant striving for greatness creates more stress than joy.
The pressure to always be better can leave you feeling inadequate—because no matter how high you climb, there’s always another level.
The more you achieve, the more you realize that success is an endless ladder.
Instead of feeling fulfilled, you feel like you’re never enough.
You compare yourself to others, and the cycle continues.
The truth is, you’re so focused on what you don’t have, you forget to appreciate what you already do.
The Courage to Be Normal
What if the key to happiness isn’t in being the best or standing out? What if it’s about embracing your normal self?
The Courage to Be Disliked teaches that normalcy isn’t something to shy away from.
In fact, it’s essential for living a fulfilling life. You don’t have to be famous, perfect, or top of the game. You just need to be authentically you.
Being “normal” means accepting your imperfections.
It means letting go of the need to be extraordinary. You are valuable exactly as you are, flaws and all.
When you embrace normalcy, you stop seeking external validation. You stop trying to prove yourself to anyone else.
You live for you. And when you do that, happiness naturally follows.
Letting Go of Comparison
One of the biggest roadblocks to happiness is comparison.
Thanks to social media, the workplace, and society at large, it’s easy to compare your life to everyone else’s.
It feels like everyone else is achieving more, doing more, or just living “better.”
But here’s the hard truth:
Comparison kills joy. It makes you feel inadequate, constantly chasing something you don’t need.
Instead of comparing, The Courage to Be Disliked invites us to stop.
Let go of the need to measure your life against others. When you stop comparing, you can finally focus on your own journey.
You can start living for what makes you happy—not what others think will make you happy.
Happiness in Simplicity
Here’s the kicker:
Happiness is not in the big, flashy milestones. It’s in the small, simple moments we often take for granted.
Take a second and think about the things that bring you joy:
- a conversation with a friend,
- a cup of coffee in the morning,
- a walk in the park.
These are the moments that matter, the ones that hold the real value.
The Courage to Be Disliked highlights this perfectly:
Contentment comes from the small things, not the pursuit of greatness.
The pursuit of perfection makes us miss out on the present, and that’s where true happiness lies.
So, why not pause, breathe, and appreciate the simplicity of life? It’s enough.
The Freedom in Being Normal
Here’s the most freeing part:
When you embrace normalcy, you free yourself from the constant pressure to perform.
The pressure to be exceptional is exhausting.
When you choose to live authentically, you’re no longer constantly building toward something “better.”
You start living in the moment, appreciating what you have right now.
Instead of striving for perfection, you start enjoying the small, imperfect moments that make up a fulfilling life.
You don’t need to prove anything to anyone.
You start living in a way that feels true to you—and that’s where happiness really comes from.
The Courage to Be Normal in Action
It’s one thing to say “embrace normalcy,” but how do you actually do it? Here’s how you start:
1. Embrace Imperfection
- Perfection is a myth. Stop trying to attain it. It’s okay to have flaws. In fact, those imperfections are what make you human, relatable, and real. Perfection will always hold you back from truly living.
2. Focus on What Matters
- Stop chasing after what others have. Focus on what really matters to you. Whether it’s building relationships, developing skills, or contributing to your community—these are the things that will bring fulfillment.
3. Stop Comparing
- Comparison is the thief of joy. Stop measuring your worth by other people’s achievements. Start focusing on your own progress and the things that bring you joy.
4. Find Joy in Simplicity
- Happiness often comes from the little things. Whether it’s a good conversation or a quiet afternoon, the simple joys are what really matter. Start appreciating these moments.
5. Live Authentically
- Be yourself. Even if it means being “normal.” When you live authentically, you align with who you really are—and that’s where real fulfillment comes from.
Conclusion
The courage to be normal isn’t about settling for less. It’s about letting go of the pressure to be perfect and embracing the life you already have.
You don’t need to be extraordinary to find fulfillment—you just have to be true to yourself.
When you embrace normalcy, you find freedom from comparison, from unrealistic standards, and from the constant chase for something unattainable.
Happiness becomes less about what you achieve and more about how you live.
So go ahead, embrace normalcy—it’s the secret to living your best life.
This post was inspired by insights from the book The Courage to Be Disliked.
