The Man Who Conforms to a Non-Conformed Life

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I was somewhat late to leaving. The Changing Hand Bookstore was a mere 4 miles or so away and I was on my bike. As I sat at a red light breathing in the wonders of CO2 from the monstrosity that was a suburban next to me, I thought, “Biking is the most efficient form of transportation. I simply fuel my body, as I normally would, purchase a bike that, for normal usage, can last for decades with little maintenance, and can cover long distances in a fairly decent time.”

Now, my first thought thereafter was, “Why the hell am I thinking about the efficient mode of transportation I was using?” Needless to say, I was on the right brain pattern for what was to come.

Taking Control of The Wild Ride of Life

Chris Guillebeau, of the blog and book The Art of Non-Conformity, is an intriguing person. Why? There are many reasons, but the intriguing characteristic that I feel has the most effect on others is his calmness.

How many times per day are we loudly, vibrantly told to do something or are sold something or are being pursued by something? Now, think about how often we pursue something of significance because we so choose.

When I was in my teens, someone, not sure who exactly, told me that the quietest person in the room is the person who has the most control. I completely agree. Why? Because I am not the quietest person in the room, usually, but I always seem to know who is the calmest and that individual tends to have the most control of us all.

Guillebeau eats, breathes, sleeps control. He wouldn’t be as arrogant as to say it in such a way, but he does. He controls the life he lives. He controls the approach he takes. He controls how the world he wants to live in becomes. And all of this is done in a way that I admire and strive to be.

You should too.

The Man Who Conforms to an Unconformed Life

Guillebeau spoke for about 45 minutes to crowd of about 100 about the path the led him to Tempe, AZ on this day along with the passion he has for doing that which makes a difference not only in his life, but to the world.

For the longest time, I have known I do not conform to society. I was born a devil’s advocate. However, the force that is society is exceptionally strong and I, as many of you may have been to, can be pulled back to the cubicle nation (more on that to come) or whatever conformity it is you and I may have fallen prey to. The struggle to pull away, to non-conform to that which seems easy and accepted, is real.

Breaking away from what we are supposed to be doing or the “real” jobs we should be having is all influenced by the people we surround ourself with and the choices that are made by the society/community we choose to listen to. Pam Slim, who opened for Chris, discusses this at her site and book titled Escape from Cubicle Nation. Conforming is not necessary and tends not to be the right answer in most aspects of our lives, but especially when it comes to what we “do for a living”.

So, how has Chris kept from being pulled in to the conformed mindset? It all comes down to focus, effort, and giving more than receiving. When Guillebeau started blogging just a few years ago, he said he was focused on the wrong niche for his voice. He honed these writing/blogging skills to discuss that which made more of an impact on his readers and he found success. Chris has put a lot of effort into connecting with any and everyone who is willing to listen and act which has led to a successful book tour.When he and his wife worked in developing countries in Africa for four years, they gave a lot and in return received more support and appreciation than they had asked for making their commitment a success. Beginning to see a pattern here?!

Efficiency Versus Adventure

This could go on and on about how Chris Guillebeau’s non-conformist ways are something you should consider. I’d rather present you with an idea that struck home with me and may effect you as well.

The following was from Chris’ presentation and I made sure to Evernote it immediately…

Instead of thinking about efficiency, start thinking about adventure.

It wasn’t an hour earlier that I had thought this to myself. “Why the hell am I thinking about the efficient mode of transportation I was using?” Why was I thinking about it and shouldn’t I be thinking about something that actually brings purpose to that which I do? Efficiency should not be the focus of my actions rather the adventure, however big or small, should be what I am pursuing. Inadvertently, Guillebeau answered my own question.

The Take Away

I leave you with the following to ask yourself…

How often are you attempting to be efficient?

How much more enjoyable is life when you are being adventurous rather than efficient?

Start questioning your approach and you may find yourself living an non-conformist life as well.

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For more inspiration, I do encourage you to check our Chris Guillebeau’s blog and book through the linked image below:

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