Normalcy

Normalcy

Think about what “normal” means, and therefore, “a return to normal.” It means conforming to some standard which is usual, typical, and/or expected. It is the antithesis of “standing out in a crowd.” It is boring.

If I had wanted “normal” I’d have retired from the Prudential Insurance Company, my first employer, some years ago and be living on that pension and social security. I wouldn’t have seen the world, or written scores of books, or been able to help hundreds of thousands of people through my books, subscriptions, events, and coaching. I understand that such a life is not for everyone, and I know that Prudential, then and now, has very fine people trying to help customers with important insurance needs.

But for goodness sake: You’re not reading this or following me in other ways to be “normal,” and you should be urging your clients to eschew normal for those very same reasons. You don’t make a mark on the world, you don’t create an influential legacy, by aspiring to be normal.

I realize that 87% of Americans think they’re “above average,” but still….