Before I get started on today’s post… to all my GYST team…
Madelyn, Ute, Ellen, Greg, Justice, Elle, Michelle (Tasmania), Tami 2, Moyra, Melissa (New Zealand), ST and her anonymous sister, Ceridwen, Doug (New Mexico), Lili Ann, Sandi, Angela, Barb J, Anne, Jessie, Leigh, Jodie, Elroy, Sue Reid, Diane (Sydney), Leah K, Jess K, Dee Britton, Kirsten, KK, Virginia (Melbourne), Clare H, Tim (Chicago), Kate, Pip, Miss Beck, Sal, Frank, Louie (Phoenix), Jen (Mildura), Ganesh (India), Tami (US), Barney, Kaddy, Snoskred, Julie (Hobart), Kerry, Finn, April Groves, M, Dianned1, Amanda B, Amber Jordon, Debbie, Irene N, Kristy, Leann, Pip Dodds, tlee, Andy, Charmaine Connolly, Kelvin (US) and Sepyroth…
C’MON!!!! It’s day two of twenty eight… GET BUSY!… or I’ll come over to your house and hurt you.
You know I will.
I don’t wanna, but if I hafta…
Today’s Post: Celebrate the Weirdo.
What I’m about to write will resonate with many of you.
It will surprise some of you and hopefully, it will encourage a few of you as well.
For much of my life, I have felt like a… weirdo.
There.
I said it.
Not all the time… but often.
In a range of situations and settings and for a range of reasons.
Even as a moderately successful business owner, speaker, writer, etc.. I still regularly feel out of place and like I don’t belong or really fit in.
Please still love me.
Not in a weird, sad or tragic “I’m gonna build a space ship in my yard and fly off and see my brothers from the planet Zebulon” kinda way… No, more a “I feel different, think different, behave different and am different” kinda way.
Not better, just different.
While all the other ‘normal’ kids were ploughing up and down the pool with their skinny ten year-old bodies, I was splashing around in my big-ass T-shirt… to hide my numerous rolls.
Knowing that they would never realise that I was obese if I was wearing my magic ‘fat-hiding T-shirt’.
Of course.
And when all my buddies were discovering alcohol at sixteen, getting wasted, falling down, getting up again and thinking they were manly and hilarious… I didn’t really ‘get it.’
At all.
I was the only one who didn’t drink.
Weirdo.
I never started.
Never had a glass of alcohol.
Tasted it, but hated it.
Never been drunk to this day.
Double weirdo.
Even when I go to a social function now, I’m often the only person in the whole place not drinking.
People tell me I’m missing out.
Oh well.
A chance I’m prepared to take.
While all my friends were buying highly-modified cars that they couldn’t afford, smoking the tyres, racing each other to the next set of lights and exploring their alpha-male-ness (okay, stupidity)… I didn’t get that either.
At all.
And when I went back to college at thirty five (after a brief seventeen year absence) I felt like a complete weirdo.
In the first year of my degree I was twice as old as every one else, didn’t understand their eighteen year-old vocabulary or culture, scared the crap out half of them (big, old, scary man on motorbike with shaved head), couldn’t use a computer (honestly), had an argument with a lecturer on the first day who insisted that I should complete ‘work experience’ (despite having worked for seventeen years) and spent the first six months of my course studying and eating lunch solo with my ‘I-don’t-really-belong-here’ cap firmly in place.
Old, scary weirdo.
Even investing the time and energy that I do into this web-site has caused some of my friends to question my sanity and judgement… apparently doing what I do doesn’t make ‘commercial sense’.
It’s not logical; it’s weird.
From a professional perspective.. it’s dumb; zero financial return on my investment.
It takes me away from my businesses and my other income-producing commercial interests.
To lots of people it is weird; it doesn’t make good business sense.
However, to me… it’s perfectly ‘normal’.
Incredibly rewarding even.
People have advised me to charge or have memberships for the site.
I won’t.
“Then at least have advertisers on your site for goodness sakes… that won’t cost your readers anything…”
“Hmmm… don’t wanna”.
“Why.”
“Looks crap… maybe one day, but not now.”
“Weirdo.”
One of my (business-minded) buddies told me recently…”you do all this writing, spend all this time, invest all this energy and share your knowledge.. and then you don’t charge; that’s just dumb.”
And from where he’s sitting, it is dumb.
Weird.
But I kinda enjoy that weirdness.
Now I know that I may have disappointed some of you because you thought I was Superman, not Weirdo-man… but sadly, it’s true.
No ’super’ and plenty of weird.
I think I need a tight outfit with a big ‘W’ on the front.
Perhaps something in blue.
Turquoise even.
And maybe a modest yellow cape.
Nothing too long… might get caught in the back wheel.
Possibly some red boots.
Or not.
And beige tights.
I’m digressing.
You love my digressing.
It’s why you come back.
See… weird.
Put up your hand if you’ve ever felt like a weirdo (for whatever reason) or like you didn’t fit in. Okay, lemme count…. 47.. 48.. 49.. 314,231… yep, nearly all of you.
Hey, you’re a freak like me.
Giddy-up; I’m not alone.
Nice.
I just asked twenty people (at the gym) if they’ve ever felt like a weirdo (didn’t fit in, didn’t belong, felt ‘different’) and all of them said yes and more than half said they regularly feel like a weirdo.
That’s it… I’m starting a weirdo club.
Doing what I do (my job, that is) for the last twenty five years has taught me that we ALL feel like we don’t ‘fit in’ at times.
Don’t really belong.
Not good enough.
Talented enough.
Funny enough.
Clever enough.
Cool enough.
Skinny enough.
Pretty enough.
Young enough.
The truth is, we’re all weird in some way.
There’s always a situation, circumstance, environment or conversation where we won’t fit in.
Where we’ll be the weirdo.
Or feel like it anyway.
The challenge for us is to not let those feelings get in the way of our potential.
To not let the emotional stuff (fear, doubt, anxiety, low self-esteem, poor body-image) get in the way of the logical stuff (what’s possible for us).
I’ve felt inadequate (in some way, in some area) for most of my life… but if I always wait until I feel ‘normal’ or ‘ready’, I would never get off the couch (or computer stool).
In many ways, weird is actually normal.
And normal is a myth.
I’ve decided to have a great life and do some amazing things despite my weirdness.
What about you?
{ 62 comments… read them below or add one }
Oooooooh, another post I love!
I always used to think to myself that ‘no one will like me because I’m short’, or ‘no one will like me because of my sense of humour’. But it wasn’t until I realised that the best quality of all of my friends was the ‘weirdness’ of them. I love the fact that my friend gets this strange look on her face after half a glass of wine. I love it how my other friend has always loved weird bands that I have never heard of. I love the fact that my friend is so strong about never wanting kids.
I might not agree with my friends or even like the ‘weirdness’ about them, but each day I remind myself that it would be a boring world if we were all the same. I believe every friend I have is sent to me to teach me something.
You are right – what is normal? I think we have all been conditioned into thinking that only certain traits of people are socially acceptable, but we have to accept everyone and everything. If I had waited until I felt ‘normal’, I would never have won job promotions, built a house, travelled or set future goals for myself. I am special because I am me. Just me. No one else.
And that’s just fine with me!
Thanks Craig ( )
M
trust me, i feel your pain
I have always felt a little out of place… an identical twin, that kids thought of as a “unit” rather than separate peeps.
My independent spirit and definitely breaking out of the “family mode” of playing it safe…
Hmmm methinks you gave me an idea for GYST
I think though my GYST goals are a combination of 
a) enjoying the moment even if I”m feeling “weird” out of place
and b) living more by Ecclesiastes 3:1…. there is a time for everything I so struggle with “there’s not enough time syndrome”
what say you on these?
Time to go git ‘r done… thanx for the food for thought
gp in montana
Craig
I thought i was the only one in the world who has never been drunk. At 34yrs i like to think this is quite an achievement. Especially coming from a slavic family not being a drinker is unheard of and if u know any slavs u know what i’m talking about. Slav mothers actually rub alcohol on their babies gums during teething. They like to start us young.
Not drinking is my form of rebellion. I have been told i know nothing about life because i don’t go to nightclubs and have never been drunk.
I would rather have an ‘orgasm’ then drink one!
One of the many great things about being a weirdo is the ability to freak people out with your weirdo thoughts and weirdo sense of humour. Being an ‘angry’ weirdo is even better cause you get to ’scare the shit’ out of people. Lots of kodak moments.
But the best thing about being a weirdo is that it has taught me compassion (believe it or not)and u decide from an early age what kind of person you ‘don’t’ want to be.
Ange-Sydney
ah craig, i’ve felt like i didn’t fit in right from the get-go when i started school. too loud, too honest, too out-there. would not fit into the blonde, skinny, dumb mould most of us 1970’s girls were pressed into. loud, redhead, chunky (only now fat) short, non-athletic (see brainy), opinionated, you name it, i was (am) it.
do i care? nah. stuff ‘em.
love your work, babe!
julie, hobart, tassie.
Craig, you can write as much on this topic as you want, but you are still not as inspiring as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. He knows all about being a misfit.
Not weird Craig, UNIQUE!!!
Hello M.
Welcome to my Weirdo club.
( )
Hello GP.
Don’t be gettin’ all King James on me with those scriptures… I’m just an old bodybuilder, you need to keep it simple.. LOL
So are you in the GYST challenge?
I think so Grasshopper.
( )
Hello Angry Weirdo Ange.
I love your weirdness.
Stay weird and sober.
You freak.
( )
Hi Julie.
Too loud… Nooooooo!!
Really?
A mainland hug for you ( ).
PS. I used to live in Howrah and Lindisfarne… didn’t know that didya?
Kel, Kel, Kel.
Have you been eating those weird little cookies again?
… ( )
OMG craig that’s really frightening! i wonder if they’ve ever got over it?
Weird I identify with I commented to a male colleague at work the other day “how nice his salty nuts looked sitting on the desk”.
Opps see I have weird thing going with computers too, those salty nuts were mine
Charmaine
me too..
i love this post. i’m in touch with my weirdo side…i love being a ‘weird-arse’, ‘a fruit loop’, a ‘little strange’, and i love the fact they can’t put me in a stereo typical box. try this one…women in her very early fourties, a gemini (dont hold that against me), married for 21 years, no kids, loves sport, stocky build(thanks dad…)with calves like a footy player..try and get them suckers in skinny leg jeans..
() from a fellow weirdo…sandi
HI there, I’m a newby over at your site, got the link from a friend. I enjoy your posts, Thanks!
Craig
You just described my life in a nushell. I think you are spot on target when you say, Weird is actually normal and Normal is a myth.
Take care…
JWM
Hey Julie.
They still miss me.
They’ve been scarred (not scared) for years.
( )
Hello Charmaine.
Too funny.
Hi Hann.
Welcome aboard.
Here’s your first Craig hug… ( )
Hi John W.
Normal Schmormal… I say.
Peace.
You lived in Howrah? I grew up in Howrah. Like you even more now! That might explain some of the weirdness though…..lol.
Hi Weird Michelle.
Yes it could.
( )
Hey Mr Conductor!! Have I missed the CraigHarperWeirdoExpress?? Stopping all stations I hope?
Too old….too boring…too much a tight arse…..too old to speed skate….weird sense of humour….too much like me!?!?!?
WEIRD huh?
I was weird long before you Craigo…..
Hail all weirdos!!!
Keep up the writing Mr Harper!!! Another fantastic post.
Skater Boy
Hi Skater.
You’re old.
And weird.
Freak.
( )
I think weird is a bad word…hey if being weird means being my ‘true’ self I am all for it! I may not fit into the group that feels the need to drink at a social function, but somewhere in the world there is a social function with non-drinking people having a great time which I am sure would be a hoot…then it wouldn’t be considered weird, it would be normal. Confused much? lol.
And I love that I found this blog..people need to learn life isn’t all about money and success has nothing to do with your bank balance. If you can change some peoples ideas/way of thinking/attitude relating to food, exercise and health – that is better that a $50 log on fee in my world.
Hi Craig,
Weird – No Unique – Yes. Why is it we spend so much time trying to fit in when we are created to stand out !!!! The great thing about being weird is that God uses the foolish things of this world (u & me) to confound the wise.
On that note – what’s with the “moderatley” successfull company you run.
Moderately means – to restrain from excess, keep in bounds – does that sound like that weirdo Craig Harper’s Company to you? Sure as hell doesn’t sound like it to me cause he was created to stand out, to push the limits – come on grab a piece of cheesecake & let’s celebrate the kindness and generosity of “THE MAN – CH” who is more driven to seeing people changed than he is about adding zero’s to his bank balance. From one weirdo to another have a great day ()
Cheryl – SA
Hi Kate.
I’m hearin’ ya sister Kate… Preach it baby!!
Peace.
I’m an atheist and a homeschooler. People think I’m weird, they are disturbed by the fact that I am at peace with my atheism… My German friends (yes I’m German) think I’m weird because I homeschool. My husband thinks I’m weird, because in his male opinion I do weird female things. In the end I’m me and happy to be me.
Excellent post. I will link you in my blog and hope you don’t mind. Well, of course you don’t. Weirdo.
Hi Cheryl.
Moderate(?)… I was being humble… did it work?
Did you say cheesecake?
I’m in weirdo!!
( )
Hi Ute.
Nice to meet you… weirdo.
Thanks for visiting.
Peace.
This Weirdness you speak of.
That’s individuality isn’t it?
You’re right, everybody’s “weird”.
That’s what makes us special.
S
Dude…
Seriously, if you’re a weirdo…I must be a super-FREAK!!
Thanks for sharing all your juicy weirdness with the world. I feel a little more normal now…wait a minute, I don’t DO normal…I just do me.
In all my goofy, blog-o-holic (my peeps don’t get the blogging thing either…that’s why we gotta all stick together!) live life on your terms, who cares what THEY think, and ‘perfect is so played’ out mentality…
Thanks for opening the door for us other weirdo’s (or super-FREAKS) out here in the blogosphere…
Keep being YOU. Cuz you ROCK. That’s what keeps us coming back for more:)
Mucho luvo,
Kam
Hi Craig,
ahh.. There’s a list I recognise: not good enough, not pretty enough, not skinny enough, not being the ‘biggest friends’ with everyone enough.. etc etc. Could go on for ages
)..
But hey, trying to live my own life is hard enough without the judgement of others,let alone my own judgement. So, when it comes to goals, one of them would definitely be go easier on myself..
Just wanted to let you know that you’re quite an inspiration. Not only your blog, it has helped me finally setting an important (private) goal and realising I’ll have to stick to it this time..
But, also you yourself..Like you wrote in your own comments somewhere: you’re “someone who gets very a lot out of doing this, but something other than financial”
That’s beautiful and in the end priceless, right!!
Craig, I am 55 years old and never been drunk. Alcoholism runs in my family and I don’t want to become an Alcoholic so I choose not to drink. There are plenty of alcoholics in my family to proof my point. Most of them are mean drunks.
I am going to India soon for a spiritual retreat, 2 more things that make me weird to my family. My sister thinks I lost it years ago.
I see nothing wrong with being “weird” different. That is what makes the world interesting. Have a glorious day.
Wow Wierdos Unite! (waves enthusisatically to fellow wierdos)
What an absolutely fantastic talented bunch we are! I’m celebrating and seeking my wierdo stuff…’normal’ made me very very very sick! It’s an incredibly debilitating affliction. I hope soon I will will be able to say ‘I like who I am and what I’m all about’….maybe that should be posted all over my house to remind me of the journey I am on…on the wierdo train! Gotta go share this post on my blog too!…PS…omeone say cheesecake??? I’m coming…especially if it is to tell CH how wonderful he is
Hi S.
Weirdness = Special
Nice.
Hey Kam.
Wazzzuuup?
Long time, no hear.
Er, read.
Hope you’re well and make sure keep being a freak.
Peace.
( )
Hi Ellen.
You’re too kind.
Thanks for your support.
Enjoy your day.
( )
Hi Patricia.
We can be weird together.
Enjoy India and let me know how you go and what you learn.
( )
Hey Jen.
Toot, toot.
You and me on the weirdo train… with CHEESECAKE.
Yep.
( )
Hi Craig,
Wow, Uni at 35, good for you! You have just given me a fabulous and inspirational start to the day. As I head off to my course this morning I will be feeling proud of the fact that I am at least a decade (or two??) older than my fellow classmates. I must admit I have been feeling a little weird, rather odd in fact, but I like the fact that I’m a little different. You have just helped to confirm what I always suspected was true and that is that weird is good. I believe we are all a little bit weird but some of us happily admit to it!
Have a great day…
Amanda B
P.S. To all my fellow GYSTers… GO TEAM!!!!
in regards to this not making commercial sense; i completely disagree and think it makes perfect commercial sense.
I for one have bought a product off your site and even explored your PT options…. had your site had of cost to use it / read it, i never would have come back…. and if you load it up with ads; well… it’s gonna look americanised and i dont think people would feel the same about the site.
hooray for being weird….AM GOING TO GO BE WEIRD!
Hi craig,
First time commenter, short term lurker and long time weirdo here.
I’ve always said that I’d rather be considered weird than boring.
I’ve just finished reading Fattitude and it was the kick up the butt I needed! Thanks for all the time and effort you’ve put in on the website as well… it’s brilliant.
Hi Craig,
Not sure if it has been mentioned, but a great book on celebrating the weirdo is “Weirdos in the Workplace: The New Normal–Thriving in the Age of the Individual”
by John Putzier and a foreword by Libby Sartain Exec VP of Yahoo Inc. It’s basic premise is that without weirdos the world would be a less productive or innovative place. Nice thought for all the individuals out there!
Hi
Loved Kates comment about being true to yourself….I’m always copping it for doing something thats not the norm amongst our friends, one of them even told me to get a life………I know who needs a new life. Bugger them I’m here to do what I want to do not follow everyone else around like a fat sheep.
Hi Amanda B.
Glad I could help…
Enjoy your day (or night).
You old weirdo.
( )
Hi Kaddy.
Stop making so much sense.
It’s weird!
( )
Hi Annie (long-time weirdo).
1. You are welcome..
2. Glad you enjoyed the book..
3. Lurk no more.. scaredy cat.
4. Here’s your first Craig hug ( )
Hi Simone.
Thanks for the heads-up.
I’ll check it out..
Peace.