"If you're always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be"

The core idea of this quote is about embracing your uniqueness. Trying to fit into the mold of what’s considered "normal" can prevent you from discovering your true potential and realizing how incredible you are. Imagine everyone around you wears the same dull, gray uniform; if you wear it too, you’ll blend in, right? But what if you decided to wear something vibrant and bold? You’d stand out, and people would see you for who you really are—amazing.

This quote was famously said by Maya Angelou, an extraordinary poet and civil rights activist. Angelou, who faced plenty of hardships and overcame them, knew a thing or two about the power of being different. She understood that normalcy can be a shackle, preventing folks from expressing themselves fully. Her life was a testament to the idea that breaking away from the norm can lead to greatness.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Think about Steve Jobs. He was fired from Apple, the very company he co-founded, because his ideas were seen as too radical. Imagine that! But instead of conforming to what was considered normal, he went on to create Pixar and NeXT. Eventually, Apple brought him back. His refusal to be "normal" led to innovations that changed the tech world forever—like the iPhone, which revolutionized how we communicate. Can you picture a world where Jobs decided to play it safe and be normal? We’d probably still be using flip phones.

So, what’s the takeaway for you? First, stop worrying about fitting in. It’s overrated. Think about your quirks and passions—those things that make you, well, *you*. Embrace them. Pursue that hobby you’ve always thought was too weird. Wear that outfit that makes you feel fantastic, even if it’s out of fashion. Speak up with your unique ideas, even if they sound crazy. You’ll be surprised at how liberating it can be, and who knows? You might just amaze yourself and others.

Now, let’s paint a relatable scenario. Imagine you’re in high school, and everyone in your class seems to think that being good at sports is the ultimate cool factor. You love your art—painting, drawing, the whole shebang. But you keep it to yourself because you don't think it's "cool." One day, the school announces a talent show, and you muster the courage to showcase your artwork. You spend hours perfecting your pieces, pouring your heart into every brush stroke. When the day comes, you’re nervous. What if people think it’s lame?

Fast forward to the show. Your artwork is displayed, and guess what? People are blown away. They had no idea you were so talented. You’re asked to join the art club, you make new friends who share your interests, and suddenly, you’re not just "normal"—you’re amazing.

So, how can we apply this wisdom? Start by identifying one thing that makes you different. It could be a skill, a perspective, an interest—anything. Then, take one step to showcase it. Share it with a friend, post it online, or use it in your daily life. The more you lean into your uniqueness, the more you'll see how amazing you truly are.

Remember, normal is just a setting on a washing machine. Don’t let it define you. Embrace your weirdness, your passions, your wild ideas. You’re not here to blend in—you’re here to stand out. And trust me, the world needs more people who aren’t afraid to be themselves.