Taking a risk to be yourself and not conform may be a challenge. After all, society discourages it. Consider current job systems require individuals to study the same courses and take the same tests. Rewards include predictable employment, vacations and lifestyles. These are often sought after. Would this appeal to you?

When you attend social functions, one of the first questions asked often pertains to what you do for work. Some people feel more comfortable if they can pigeon-hole you into a category. Then, they think they may begin to understand and relate to you. For some of us, it would be a risk not to 'fit in.'  For others, conforming to discomfort would be too risky. If you don't care either way, it may be a toss up.

The mindsets and performance of people who excel in status quo systems reflect a certain kind of intelligence. Yet, did anyone ever tell you that more than one kind of intelligence exists? Think about emotional intelligence, intellectual intelligence, relationship intelligence, business acumen, to name a few. Just because you develop personal strengths in a specific area doesn't mean you know about them all.

Based on your behavior and attitude, people may describe you as "unique" or keep their distance because your choices make them feel uncomfortable. They may admire you for courage but fear stepping out of their comfort zone. You may be tempted to dress like everyone or make similar choices to people around you if you think this what is expected of you. This may also be true. However, what does the little voice inside of you say? Is this what you truly desire to do or be?

Rebels are often perceived as troublemakers who break existing rules or resist authority. Yet, expressing your own thoughts, paving your own road, and becoming a pioneer in your chosen field, doesn't have to be understood as an act of defiance. The world would be far less interesting if everyone all thought the same, acted, and spoke the same. Each of us has innate talents and personal visions yet, we don't all listen to ourselves, recognize our dreams or seek to be ourselves.

When was the last time you took the risk to listen to your conscience or intuition? If you did take the time, what kinds of feelings would you encounter? Hopes and fears are key to our dreams.  Why not take a risk to begin to decipher what you've known forever, but had chosen to forget? It's never too late to discover new parts of you.