More Than Acceptance

In my book, "12 Keys to Success for Misfits, Weirdos, & Introverts," I discuss the importance of accepting the fact that you are different. However, today I want to put an asterisk next to that phrase. I have come to discover that many people resign themselves to their fate of peculiarity, however, that is not the same as self-acceptance.

To begrudgingly accept your fate as a misfit is not the same as embracing, or better yet, loving the things that make you different. Oftentimes age and life will wear misfits down until they tire of the futile exercise of trying to fit in. After many years of trying unsuccessfully to be something that they are not, misfits just develop a "take it or leave it" attitude about who they are.

This attitude is a slippery slope into bitterness; and is not the best mentality to achieve real success. Yes, you should not try to change yourself because of those around you, but you should also not carry around your uniqueness like mill stone around your neck.

As I have pointed out in my book, there are many benefits to being a misfit, weirdo, and introvert. Relish the good, and use your distinctive attribute for your advantage. Lastly, celebrate all the wonderfully special things about yourself so that you don't surrender to isolation, but rather keep your ability to recognize your value even in solitude.