I’m weird dude.
No, not “pushing a blow-up dinosaur around in a shopping cart” weird, but pretty damn weird.
I wear funny shoes to the gym. I do pull ups on tree branches and swing sets. I act like a big kid doing handstands and rolling around in parks. I think everybody should have playtime. I get funny looks when I eat in a peculiar manner, and people poke fun at me when I refuse dessert or extra servings at parties.
I used to try to fit in with the majority; to do things like everybody else, because everybody else HAD to be right, which made the opposite wrong.
Then I looked at the majority: overweight, out of shape, over-medicated, in debt, and unhappy!
Suddenly…being weird seemed like the only option!
I embraced my inner Costanza and started doing everything the exact opposite of what everybody else expected of me. As a result, I have never been happier, healthier, or felt more alive.
Let’s Get Weird
Sometimes, you just need to get weird. Real weird. Like my buddy Saint, Eric, and I above.
(Yes, our flip cup team name on The Rock Boat was “Let’s Get Weird!”).
- Who cares what people think when you’re in the park practicing ridiculous handstands?
- Who cares what people think when you bring in your homemade “weird” lunch rather than eating fast food like everybody else?
- Who cares what people think when you’re doing squats and deadlifts as a 45 year old mom rather than leisurely using the elliptical like everyone else?
Be grateful that you’re different, especially if you are the only one. “The same” is what got everybody else where they are now.
Different is what’s going to get you where you really want to go.
Be judged or ignored
To borrow a line from Seth Godin: “You will be judged, or you will be ignored.”
If you’re going to change your life, you may have to zig when others zag, stand while other sit, and run while others walk. It’s much easier to follow the herd, not ruffle any feathers, and go with the flow.
Screw the flow!
You will be judged for being different. Wear that judgment proudly, like an effin’ badge of honor…because it sure as hell beats the alternative.
My name is Steve. I’m a Nerd Fitness Rebel, and I’m proud to be judged for my strange eating habits, unorthodox workout style, and acting like kid.
Who are you, and what are you proud to be judged for?
-Steve
Today’s Rebel Hero: Amanda M., the first owner of a Nerd Fitness-themed tattoo! The Rebellion has officially arrived! Here’s the story behind it:
I’m 34 and have been smoking since I was 14. I’ve quit at times but always started when things got stressful. I survived marriage, divorce, childbirth, losing family members, and getting remarried. I always kept it together. Smoking was something that had control over me…until Nerd Fitness.
I read Spezzys story and I started lifting. I read your article about slaying dragons and I felt like you wrote it for me! I had to slay the dragon of smoking! I made a commitment to my NF family, I was done, it would not control me anymore. The-tin-man made me a counter and I had so much support and encouragement.
My last cigarette was May 6, 2012 at 10:15 pm central. Knowing I’d have to start again at zero if I failed, having to tell all the people cheering me on that I failed…not happening!
Nerd Fitness, you and my NF family taught me that dragons are meant to be slayed, I am stronger than the addiction, and my life has leveled up in so many ways! I’m running Warrior Dash in November with a bunch of nerds, a half marathon in February, and then the Dallas marathon!
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photo source: sombrero lego, cart
