Life as a Non-Conformist

What Ali Showed Us, What Guillebeau Can Teach Us

Unsplash Photo Credit: Manu Del Moral, Madrid Spain

I have always admired non-conformists — their contrarian ways; their rebelliousness; their willingness to stand for what they believe in; their audacity to boldly question prevailing societal beliefs. 

A non-conformist is an individual who consciously chooses to deviate from established social norms, conventions, or expectations. Non-conformists may resist conventional behavior, values, fashion, ideologies, or traditions, preferring to follow their own beliefs, preferences, and path in life.

Many of us admire non-conformists for having the boldness to pursue their own course. Others find that they feel threatened by them.

Here are a few of the reasons for the latter:

Challenge to the Status Quo: Non-conformists have a propensity for running counter to commonly accepted norms, which can make one uncomfortable. People are often accustomed to established patterns of behavior and thus often resist change.

Fear of Change: Society may fear change, paradox, and uncertainty, give that non-conformity represent a departure from the familiar. This fear can manifest as resistance to new ideas or ways of life.

Preservation of  Status Quo and Tradition:  Some societies place a strong emphasis on tradition and conformity to maintain social cohesion and stability. Non-conformists can be seen as disruptors of these traditions.

Threat to Authority: Non-conformists may question authority, challenge power structures, or expose injustices, which can be perceived as a threat by those in positions of power. 

Fear of the Unknown: Non-conformity often involves venturing into the unknown or uncharted territory. This can be unsettling for those who prefer predictability and a sense of control.

Social Pressure to Conform:  Society often exerts pressure on individuals to conform to its norms and expectations. Non-conformists may face criticism, ostracism, or even discrimination for not fitting in.

Unpredictability: Non-conformists are less predictable in their actions and choices, which can make it challenging for others to understand or anticipate their behavior.

It's important to note that not all non-conformity is perceived as a threat, as many societies value diversity and innovation. Here, non-conformists can play a crucial role in driving positive change, pushing boundaries, and challenging harmful norms. 

However, resistance to non-conformity often stems from a desire for stability, predictability, and the preservation of existing social structures and traditions.

When I think of famous non-conformists, the person who immediately comes to mind is the late boxing champion Mohammed Ali. 

In reading the book Ali: A Life by Jonathan Eig, I was struck by Ail’s courage in questioning a number of common narratives that existed back in the day:

Name Change: He was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. but changed his name to Muhammad Ali after converting to Islam. This name change was a declaration of his faith and identity, even though it was unconventional and controversial at the time.

Conscientious Objector: Ali refused to be drafted into the U.S. military during the Vietnam War on the grounds of his religious beliefs and opposition to the war. This led to his suspension from boxing and legal battles. He famously stated, "I ain't got no quarrel with them Viet Cong."

Civil Rights Advocacy: Ali was a vocal advocate for civil rights and racial equality during the turbulent 1960s. His alignment with figures like Malcolm X and his refusal to accept racial discrimination in any form made him a symbol of resistance against racism.

Trash Talk and Showmanship: Ali was known for his braggadocious ways through his brash and poetic trash talk before fights. His charismatic and often humorous verbal jabs at opponents were unconventional in the world of boxing and sports, helping to create a unique persona.

Style in the Boxing Ring: Ali's boxing style was unconventional for his time. He employed a unique blend of speed, agility, and defensive techniques that differed from the traditional brawling style of heavyweight boxers.

Political Activism:  Beyond the Vietnam War, Ali used his fame to speak out on various social and political issues, including poverty and inequality. He challenged the status quo and used his platform for causes he believed in.

Interfaith Cooperation: Despite being a Muslim, Ali often emphasized interfaith understanding and unity. He promoted dialogue and respect among people of different religions, demonstrating a non-conformist approach to religious relations.

Lifestyle Choices:  Ali's unconventional lifestyle, including his diet, training methods, and personal beliefs, set him apart from other athletes and contributed to his unique persona and success.

Muhammad Ali's willingness to stand up for his beliefs, even in the face of controversy and adversity, made him a true non-conformist. He transcended the realm of sports to become a symbol of social and cultural change, inspiring many with his courage, convictions, and charismatic personality.

In terms of my own non-conformist ways, they are emblazoned on my LinkedIn profile. Here’s a brief excerpt: 

I’m urbane. I’m ambitious. I’m rebellious. Columbus is where I was born. Yet I consider the iconic city of Chicago my adopted hometown. I’m uncommonly nomadic, with a long history of having lived everywhere but nowhere. 

I enjoy listening to music by Marian Hill, reading Fast Company Magazine and The Economist, random conversations at edgy martini bars, and NHL hockey. And yes, I am a proud graduate of THE Ohio State University and Buckeye Nation! 

I could best be described as a Libertarian/Taoist in my philosophy. My three core values are Connection, Expansion, and Lifestyle Freedom.

In terms of mentors, I crave NBA hall of fame coach Phil Jackson, Harvard intellectual Cornel West, NBA superstar Michael Jordan, and the late iconic food critic Anthony Bourdain for being unapologetically themselves.

It was a book I read a number of years ago entitled "The Art of Non-Conformity: Set Your Own Rules, Live The Life You Want, and Change The World" by Chris Guillebeau that inspired me to identify my own non-conformist special sauce. It encourages readers to embrace a non-conventional approach to life and work. Its main tenets can be summarized as follows:

Non-Conformity: Guillebeau champions the idea of living life on your own terms, pursuing your passions, and not conforming to societal expectations or the traditional 9-to-5 career path.

Quest for Freedom: The book promotes the pursuit of personal freedom, both in terms of financial independence and the freedom to design your own life and career.

Set Your Own Rules: Guillebeau emphasizes the importance of setting your own rules and goals, rather than following a prescribed path, and advocates for creating your own definition of success.

Entrepreneurial Mindset: He encourages readers to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, even if they don't start their own businesses, by taking ownership of their lives and seeking opportunities for self-reliance.

Travel and Adventure: The book also explores the idea of travel and adventure as a means to gain new perspectives and experiences, encouraging readers to step out of their comfort zones.

Guillebeau believes that non-conformity is a positive trait because it empowers individuals to lead more fulfilling and authentic lives. He argues that blindly conforming to societal norms can lead to a sense of unfulfillment and a lack of purpose. By embracing non-conformity, people can discover their true passions, pursue meaningful work, and find greater happiness and satisfaction in their lives.

In essence, "The Art of Non-Conformity" encourages readers to break free from the constraints of conformity and chart their own unique paths to happiness and success. It promotes the idea that non-conformity can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

Song That Came To Mind While Writing This Article

LISTEN HERE > Des’ree— Ya Gotta Be

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