How to be unique, just like everyone else

Think you're special and unique? Not so fast, oh rare one. Just as a Zebra's stripes are as unique as our fingerprints, it's still a black and white horse, whose individuality is barely distinguishable to the untrained eye.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a semi-functioning frontal lobe
• chutzpah
• practice

1. 
    

   SAME DIFFERENCE. Remember Eddie Murphy's fictional twin daughters Monique and Unique form Beverly Hills Cop II? Their names say it all. They are different, yet the same. And therein lies the catch 22. We are all already unique, yet we are the same in a collective sense. What does this mean for you? Challenge yourself mentally and emotionally daily. We can only control our uniqueness on a micro level; we'll always seem like a herd of indistinguishable Zebras on a macro level. Realize that that's ok. You don't have to change the course of human history, rather, stick to navigating your own ship and try not to crash into the billions of other strikingly similar vessels along the way.

2. 
    

   LEADER OF THE PACK. Be the white Zebra in the herd. It's not easy to change your stripes mid way through life, but it's never too late to try. It's not unique to have goals, but it is unique to actually attempt to reach them. Get some chutzpah and ditch your fears of failure and go for that goal that's been floating in your mind.

3. 
    

   SPRING CLEAN. It's time to tidy up the old brain and reorganize your thought process. Toss out any negative thoughts that have been holding you back and replace them with shiny new motivating mental pictures. Recycle any happy memories, no sorting necessary. This step alone will make your uniqueness glow from within.

4. 
    

   BE OUTSIDE THE BOX. It's safe, warm and familiar, that old box of yours that you live in. All that's missing from your trap, I mean box, is a spring loaded metal clamp. There are so many opportunities swirling around your rickety old box that you'll never see if you don't upgrade your mental living quarters. In your new digs, you'll find high ceilings, large windows that let in lots of light and tons of yard space with gorgeous views.

Tips & Warnings

• You see, being unique doesn't require any uniqueness at all. Strange clothing and body peircings are a good attempt at individuality, but that's a superficial form of singularity. Being unique comes from within. And while we are all unique,(is that an oxymoron?)we are often times too bogged down with everyday stresses and our individuality suffers as a result. Letting your character take center stage in your life may seem like an elephantine task, but the best way to eat an Elephant, or a Zebra in this metaphor, is one bite at a time.