Are you called to walk the unconventional path?
Not everyone is meant to walk the path that society lays out in front of them. Sure, there’s nothing wrong with choosing a conventional path. Maybe you want the traditional college to work to retirement arc that many people choose. More power to you if that’s the case!
However, not everyone fits that mold. Not everyone is destined to follow the path that so many other people do. If you identify with the following signs, you just may be one of those people.
1. You feel restlessness in conventional roles.
Conventional roles just don’t feel right. That may be in your personal life where you are trying to maintain a romantic relationship, or it could be in your professional life where you feel too contained. People who aren’t meant to fit the mold will often find themselves feeling smothered and contained in their particular role.
2. You have a strong sense of individuality.
Many people are happy being one part of the group and nothing more. Contrary to popular belief, there’s nothing wrong with just wanting to fit in. However, not everyone can. Individuals with strong personalities and callings will typically stand out from the crowd.
3. You have a strong passion for creativity or unusual hobbies.
People destined for a different path often have unconventional interests and hobbies. They may even find that they are called to a particular work or interest that dominates their thoughts. For some, it’s like an all-consuming fire that they just can’t seem to quench or suppress with mundane things.
4. You are resistant to authority.
Established norms exist because they’re safe. Average people know what to experience and expect by following the rules of their respective group. However, not everyone is wired that way. Some people are not able to quietly accept the authority of the group or other people. They ask questions and they push back.
5. You desire meaningful work.
People have different priorities for their work. Those who are called to an unconventional path will often look for purpose and passion in their work over stability or financial gain. They may be willing to take a lesser paid job to do the kind of work that calls to them. Of course, that isn’t always an option, but it is often a desire.
6. You rely on intuition for decision-making.
Intuition and gut feeling often drive your decision-making. Intuition is an interesting thing because there are so many different perspectives on it. Some people feel it’s a spiritual force offering guidance. Science believes it’s your subconscious mind compiling information and delivering answers to you indirectly. Whatever the truth is, following one’s intuition is a path of individuality.
7. You feel out of place in a traditional setting.
A traditional setting, like a corporate office, may feel stifling and oppressive. Of course, many people do feel that way about those jobs. But for people who are called to something different, they may feel regular dread and anxiety about just being in the location. They feel pulled to be somewhere else, doing something else.
8. You have a love for learning and growth.
An unconventional lifestyle can’t flourish without regular learning and personal growth. By taking a different direction, you have to carve your own path through unfamiliar territory. One needs to learn how to make it through so they aren’t just stumbling blindly. The more you know, the easier it gets.
9. You’ve lived an interesting life.
An interesting life often includes many twists and turns that take you in directions you may never have envisioned. Some people have a life that is a straight trajectory through the typical checkpoints that society says you should follow. You, however, may find that idea laughable or unrecognizable.
10. You’re willing to take risks.
You are willing to entertain risk and uncertainty to make the most of your life. It need not be reckless risk, but you are far more willing to step out of the box than others. Carpe diem, ‘seize the day,’ could best be described as your life motto.
11. You are an innovative problem-solver.
When a problem arises, you may be one of the first to come up with an out-of-the-box solution. Creativity is not always for art. It is a valuable skill in finding new solutions to problems and processes that could use a new approach.
12. You feel drawn to like-minded people.
Like-minded people are moths to a flame. People who are drawn to an unconventional path will feel comradery and called toward other unconventional people. The benefit, of course, is community. It can be difficult to walk a unique path as an individual. Even if you find yourself surrounded by good people, it can still be a lonely, challenging road to get to where you want to be.
In a community, you can find and provide support to empower yourself and others to create the unique life that you’re meant to live. It takes a little risk, and you will likely experience some ups and downs, but you only have one life to live. If you feel called, it’s worth exploring whatever options you can to create the life that is right for you.