Friday, February 17, 2012

Live Like the Honey Badger: Principle 4

This is the fourth in a series of posts entitled, Live Like the Honey Badger. Every Friday, I address one aspect of developing confidence, self-worth, a fearless nature and the like. Previous weeks are linked below.

Principle 1: Honey Badger Don't Care
Principle 2: Accept Yourself. Your Whole Self
Principle 3: Surround Yourself With Honey Badgers

Principle 4: Break the Mold

I'm sure that as a child, you were told or shown the "right way" to do things. The "right way" to be. You learned and absorbed what beauty and talent and perfection looked like, even if you didn't realize it.

That's how socialization works. We are immersed in an environment and our experiences, interactions and societal norms shape us each and every day for our entire lives. Thus, humans are ever evolving. As perspectives and attitudes change in your environment, you change as well. It's how you became exactly who you are in this moment.

But, there's a problem with this system - the lack of self control.

Now, don't get me wrong, there is great value in societal norms and environmental conditioning. They help to foster a sense of security, unity and behavioral control in a population of people. They help the world in which we live function in the manner that it does (although, there is room for a large amount of improvement).

But, tell me this. How did you decide what beauty is? Did your parents tell you? Did a picture in a magazine? Or on television? How about strength and self worth? Or what's acceptable for a lady? Or even what is in the realm of possibility for you to accomplish? Who were the people that originated these ideals?

I bet that you have no idea.

Well, if you don't know where the information was coming from or why it was being put out there then why are you blindly following it? You need to take control of how you and your children are being socialized.

  • There is no reason that you have to be what others want you to be. 
  • There is no reason that you can't define what's beautiful. 
  • There is no reason that you have to feel like "less than" because of what others are telling you.
  • There is no reason that you can't accomplish anything that you set out to. 
  • There is no reason that you can't live your life exactly how you see fit.

Sure, there will be backlash. And yes, some people might not "get" who you are or what you are trying to do with your life. But, last time I checked, it was YOUR LIFE. You can't live it for someone else and you can't let yourself get stuck in the mold that society has crafted for you.

Break the mold. Be the Honey Badger.


11 comments:

Kurt @ Becoming An Ironman said...

It's so true! So many things we deem as definitions are simply repeating what others have told us. We rarely sit down and actually think through things. That or when we do think, we think about how others will view our perspective.

This is definitely my favorite Honey Badger post so far! Keep 'em coming!

Anonymous said...

Amen!! HONEY BADGERS DON'T CARE!! Woot!

Elizabeth said...

Thanks for a great post.

Jason said...

Oh Hellz Yeah my HB friend.

Those that don't care will stick around and those that do care shouldn't have been 'friends' in the first place.

We all learn who is there for us through thick and thin. I went through a divorce, a move 1/2 way across the country and a layoff all within 3 years of each other and only 1 person has been there with me as a friend through all of it.

The others can go f themselves. Don't bother me b/c I don't have time for you anymore, especially when I will drop anything for a friend. That's just how I roll.

Unknown said...

Easier said than done right? I think I have spent a better part of the last decade never fitting but never really sure where I wanted to be either!

Cory Reese said...

Um, awesome. The only times I notice myself going into a little bit of a funk are when I start comparing myself to other runners.

I'm going to work on being a bigger honey badger. Thanks for the post!

Unknown said...

Love this one! And you personify it all the time which I love. Your girls are super lucky to have you as a mom... just saying!

Cindy said...

i LOVE the honey badger principles...you rock!!!

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

Great post.. I find I don't often fit in molds...LOL..

Miss you friend :)

Abby's Road said...

What an inspiring post!

Lisa said...

Love it TMB!! Just what I needed to be reminded of today. :)