Challenging Social Norms (PODCAST)

Challenging Social Norms (Discussion with Slide Show).

"Normal." "Whatever it is, it is." "This has always been the case." Social standards are perilous because we accept them as truth simply because they are prevalent, even when we are aware that something is wrong. Normal does not always imply right, equitable, or acceptable. Not only should some behaviors be questioned, but certain societal standards should be abolished entirely.

However, similar to how we are at the whim of our caveman inclinations when we are not in our caveman days, we often make choices based on what others want us to do rather than what is best for ourselves. If you follow these seven standards in your work life, you are setting yourself up for one kind of success: typical.

When we are younger, we are not usually encouraged to question or oppose societal conventions. On the contrary, they are taught to us. This is one of the reasons we develop poisonous beliefs such as "genuine" guys do not weep, or that we must dress or behave a particular way in order to gain friends or even cave to social pressure. In fact, social norms exist only as a result of our creation.

We do this out of politeness, but it's so phony. I've lost count of the number of lunches and coffee dates I've discussed with sorta-friends that never materialized. Can't we simply be honest with one another?

This is such a personal choice, and every one of us is unique. Nobody should be compelled to have children just because it seems to be the norm. And what if you do want a family?

I despise feeling obliged to purchase a present for someone living in Wisconsin just because I'm "supposed" to, or worse because I'm "concerned" they'll get one for me and I'll show up empty-handed. You give presents because you want someone to have something unique. This is not a must.
To reconnect with your real self, you must let go of what others believe. If you are located in Wisconsin you will love this discussion.

#socialnorms #challengingsocialnorms #Wisconsin