It was Theodor Seuss Geisel, an American writer and illustrator best known for authoring popular children's books under the pen name Dr. Seuss , who asked the question, “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”

Some of us spent an awful lot of time trying to be ‘normal’ and fit in. We go out of our way to satisfy something programmed in us that urges us to seek acceptance and blend in. We forget that when we simply fit in, we make it easy for us to go completely unnoticed.If our efforts to fit in are thwarted, most of us feel valueless, depressed, lonely and even isolated from the world of normality as we know it. This makes us even determined to fit in with our peers by adopting their styles and mannerisms. We even spent some of that time dedicated to other groups that we can fit into.

The urge is strongest when in high school but for some of us, this continues to influence the decisions we make as adults. And while you may not know it now, trying to blend in can be hindrance to achieving your goals.

But why go to all the trouble when we can be exceptional and stand out? After all, it’s impossible not to notice anything or anyone who stands out. That is what we should aspire for. We all have a choice to make every day; to stand out or fit in.

If you make the choice to stand out, you make the choice to be different, to go beyond typical or average and be truly amazing. You should be proud to stand out and stand up for what you think is right even when you are the only one doing it. You don’t have to go along with the opinions of others and lose yourself in the process.

By standing out, you inspire other people around you to do the same, to affect real change and be a leader. Instead of worrying about fitting in, make standing out your ultimate goal.

Would you prefer to fit in simply because it seems easier than working your way to being unique and standing out ?