Society often dictates a set path that “should” be followed. But let me let you in on a secret; those who lead extraordinary lives often dance to their own tune.

Historically, individuals crafting extraordinary lives do something radically different – they tend to disregard societal expectations of what they “should” do.

In this piece, we will uncover the core reasons why ignoring the societal norm is a common trait shared by such individuals. Let’s delve into the unconventional paths famously walked by these trailblazers.

1) Daring to step off the beaten path

The societal norm is often a comfortable and secure path. It’s well-trodden, predictable, and perhaps even ‘safe’. However, individuals who have built extraordinary lives often share a common factor – they’ve dared to veer off this expected path.

Take for instance notable trailblazers in any field, from Einstein in science to Steve Jobs in technology. Their extraordinary achievements weren’t a result of conforming to societal expectations. Instead, they dared to ignore those ‘should’ norms, took risks, and forged their own path.

Their groundbreaking work makes it clear – stepping off the beaten path isn’t just a characteristic, it’s a requirement for crafting an extraordinary life. So the next time society tells you what you ‘should’ do, remember the trailblazers and have the courage to chart your own journey.

But let’s be honest, this isn’t easy, nor is it ‘safe’, but as they say, “no risk, no reward”.

2) The power of saying ‘No’

I found a personal truth when I was knee-deep in my corporate career. Here I was, following the expectation of climbing the corporate ladder, securing that next promotion, working grueling hours. On paper, it was what I “should” be doing. But inwardly, I felt a sense of dissatisfaction. I realized I was living someone else’s version of success, not my own. I wasn’t living an ordinary life, let alone an extraordinary one.

The pivotal shift happened when I finally gave myself permission to say ‘No’. I chose to ignore the societal pressure of ‘more is better’, and evaluated what truly mattered to me. It meant major changes. It meant leaving my secure job, starting my own business, and a whole lot of uncertainty.

Guess what? That move opened doors to experiences and opportunities I couldn’t have imagined in my previous life. It felt frightening and liberating, all at once. But it was undeniably key to creating that extraordinary life I yearned for.

All because I chose to say ‘No’ to what I ‘should’ do. And what I learnt from my journey was that real living starts when we stop living for others’ approval and start honoring our own authenticity.

3) Embracing failure as feedback

When Thomas Edison was quizzed about his 10,000 unsuccessful attempts to invent the light bulb, he famously retorted, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” It’s this resilient mindset that set Edison apart and allowed him to create that extraordinary invention which drastically changed our lives.

Extraordinary achievers, like Edison, don’t view failure as a dead-end or a commentary on their abilities. Instead, they see it as a form of feedback, information to learn from, and a stepping stone to greater success.

It’s a departure from the societal notion of success always being about victory. But as the light bulb casts a shadow to light a room, the lessons from failure often illuminate the path to extraordinary lives.

4) Prioritizing values over societal norms

From a young age, we are taught to conform – to fit in, to follow rules, to meet societal standards. On the other hand, those who lead extraordinary lives often prioritize their values over societal norms.

Many of these outliers have insisted on living by their core values, even when they are in stark contrast to what is expected from them. These are individuals who’ve chosen passion over paycheck, freedom over security, authenticity over popularity.

In doing so, they’ve not only created extraordinary lives for themselves but also inspired many others to question and redefine their own “shoulds”, paving the way for them to live more fulfilling, extraordinary lives.

5) Embracing one’s unique, authentic self

In a world that often demands uniformity, embracing our unique, authentic selves can be intimidating. Society may have us believe that being ‘normal’ or ‘average’ is the key to fitting in or being accepted. But what if the real magic lies in celebrating our individuality, the essence of who we truly are?

Those remarkable people who’ve etched extraordinary lives didn’t get there by trying to blend in or being an echo of someone else. They were unapologetically themselves – quirky, different, authentic.

From Lady Gaga’s bold self-expression to Sir Richard Branson’s unorthodox business ways, these individuals have shown us that it’s the act of embracing our authentic selves that allows us to carve out our own extraordinary paths. And in doing so, they remind us of the beauty and power of being true to who we really are.

6) Embracing change and uncertainty

Back when I was just stepping into adulthood, I had everything meticulously planned out. Get a good job, save up, buy a house. It was a linear path that seemed secure. But life, as I soon discovered, had different plans.

Recognizing and embracing the unpredictability of life turned out to be essential in creating the extraordinary life I longed for. Rather than resisting changes or trying to control every aspect, I learnt to see them as doors of possibility swinging open.

It sounds scary, and it is. But that’s the thing about change and uncertainty, they shake you out of your comfort zone. It’s in this space of not-knowing where the potential to create something extraordinary begins to unfold.

7) Turning dreams into tangible goals

Everyone can dream, but those who lead extraordinary lives have mastered the art of turning those dreams into tangible, achievable goals. They understand that dreams, no matter how grand, are simply wishful thinking without a realistic action plan backing them.

These are people who don’t just sit around and hope for the best. Instead, they set clear, specific goals and work relentlessly towards them. They break their big dreams into smaller, manageable steps and steadfastly chip away at them.

By turning dreams into doable tasks, these trailblazers anchor their goals in reality, making the extraordinary tangible and bringing it within grasp.

8) Re-defining success on your own terms

At the heart of living an extraordinary life lies the ability to define one’s own success. This is not about money, fame, or societal approval. This is about knowing what truly makes your heart sing and pursuing that with unbridled passion.

Extraordinary lives are not born from the pursuit of societal ‘shoulds’, but from the pursuit of one’s own joy, purpose, and fulfillment. It’s about knowing that you are the author of your own story, unfettered by society’s version of what success ‘should’ look like.

Chase your dreams, live your truth, and define your success. You owe it to yourself. That’s the essence of an extraordinary life.

Final reflections: The power of choice

At the core of it all, creating an extraordinary life comes down to embracing the power of choice. It’s about choosing your own path, disregarding the societal ‘shoulds’, and embracing your authenticity.

It’s intriguing to think that all the amazing lives we admire—from the world-changers to the trailblazers—boil down to a series of choices that defied the norm. These individuals made the choice to align their actions with their values, regardless of societal pressures.

Remember Albert Einstein’s words, “The one who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The one who walks alone is likely to find themselves in places no one has ever been before.”

Take a moment. Reflect on your choices. Are they aligned with society’s ‘shoulds’ or your own desires and values? It’s never too late to dare to defy the norm, to step off the beaten path. The power to create an extraordinary life lies in your hands, or rather, in your choices.