What is normal?

And how do you optimize it

Normal is an empty container we think nothing of, while believing it represents something universal. Normal doesn’t represent anything at all, so there can’t be a “new” normal when nothing was ever normal to begin with.

That’s why the normal we know is contextual, cultural and philosophical, even when it’s taken for granted. It’s the opposite of abnormal; but your normal is not my normal, even though we might consider our normal to be the steady state. It’s an idea that only exists in the present moment. The breath we take, the feelings we feel, the focus we pursue.

So, if the idea of normal is the norm, how can it be optimized? Normal should be experiencing the day-to-day satisfaction that leads to a life well-lived. It should help reconcile our identity. It should lead us toward a chosen destination.

Ironically, normal can also become a trap; like flypaper that we’re stuck to, that we’re unable to free ourselves from. Barriers that block us become normalized in our lives. We question ourselves and accept that we’re trapped, churning in no direction at all.

Optimizing normal eliminates the doubt and misgivings we’ve incorporated into our mindset.  The flypaper becomes a flywheel, generating the energy we need to live. Our mindset creates our reality.

People who have optimized normal are self-actualizing; their mindset is expansive, positive and curious.

They truly see what they can become, and they simply choose to become it.

What do you think? Have you optimized normal in your life?