5 Ways Being “Extra” In Life Can Be a Good Thing
Start being too much and upgrade yourself
As a young adult, I struggled with trying to fit in — sometimes working too hard to blend into the mainstream. I tried to hide my “extra” ordinary qualities from myself and others as part of my pursuit to become more common.
For years, I have worked to straighten out the crazy that curls around my head. I’ve failed to streamline my curvy hips into societies’ skinny jeans and to mute the rouge-lined words that too often escaped my lips.
As I grew into my skin and became more comfortable with listening to my unusual self, I trickled into awareness. I internalized that living with ease was not about trying to fit in. It was all about standing out and letting the unique elements of your personality shine through.
“If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” — Maya Angelou
Despite what some may say, here are a few reasons being “extra” in life equates to positive qualities:
1 / You have a growth mindset
Nothing can stop you. You are open and committed to growing daily. Everything is possible. You see new ideas as opportunities to evolve into a better version of yourself.
2 / You are an eternal learner
You are curious and eager to learn new things. You enjoy expanding your thinking, gather different perspectives, and acquiring new skills. For you, it’s fun to read, write, think, and create.
3 / You have high expectations
Your internal standards are higher than everyone else. You will over-deliver and drive yourself above average. It’s more work for sure, but you wouldn’t have it any other way.
4 / You care about people
You have a lot of passion and compassion. People can relate to you as a human. You aren’t afraid to show your feelings and say your real thoughts out loud (as long as it will help someone else).
5 / You notice details
You notice specifics that others miss. All the small things add up, and it’s usually you who is keeping the tally. You are hyper-aware and can sometimes feel the situation before you see it.
Final Thoughts
“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” ― Jimmy Johnson
By being extra, you won’t settle for ordinary. You live your life to the fullest, even in the simplest of moments. You make memories out of the everyday occurrences and realities out of your dreams.
A spark hit me: You can only be too much if you want more — more living, more learning, more happiness, more wealth, and more health.
Life is defined by leaning into the components of your extraordinary self.
Stand out, want more, and don’t settle for less.
Upgrade your life a little extra at a time.
