Do Aliens Think and Act Like Us?
Source: Adobe Stock by Local_doctor
Sorry to disappoint, but I do not have the answer to this one, nor is the title reflective of what this article is actually about. But while I have you ... it seems your curiosity lead you here for a reason. The title is different, interesting and maybe it stood out from what's typically on your feed? Well, bingo that's what this article is about.
If I’m being honest, I never really understood the modern concept of “fitting in.” Sure we all want to belong somewhere, be liked by others, etc., but that should never be at the cost of being and thinking for ourselves.
We offer so much more to each other when we think and act outside of a hive mentality. Despite our behavioral efforts, our brains are simply wired differently. We are given the opportunity to interpret life, frame ideas, and explore our unique place in the world all from the lens of our own experiences. That's pretty freakin' cool. However, we are constantly wrestling with the balance between individuality and conformity. Why do we feel the need to fit in (and be accepted) at a seemingly fundamental level?
Well, our brains overwrite behaviors but never really forget those that came before. They’re kind of like tree rings or rock formations. Our pathways continuously build onto themselves as we learn and grow but our previously ingrained/learned behaviors never truly leave us.
Our core desire to fit in is quite similar to how we crave things. Take sugar for example. It tricks us into believing we need it, and therefore crave it for energy and survival. Our evolutionary brains tell us we need to exist within a community so not to die, or go without food, shelter or water. Well, when there were only 20,000 humans on this planet, staying together meant protection, strength, and legacy, so yeah I get it. But as society expanded and individuals matured, we learned how to "survive" on our own but the urge, the need, is still there. Going beyond basic survival needs, our brain's “reward center” has us constantly searching for validation, approval and acceptance like its part of someone else’s job to give it to us, when in fact, we can learn how to satisfy these needs for ourselves.
Fitting in is like getting stuck playing the same track over and over again, telling ourselves we need to look and act like them, to like what they like, do what they do, whoever "they" are, simply because we want to satisfy these fundamental urges. In return, we trade in our futures, leaving them to be defined by someone else; never learning how to push the boundaries of what’s possible for us as individuals.
What makes this even harder is our undeniable obsession with originality (individuality) but also our fear and hesitation in actually pursing it (conformity). Everything from childhood insecurities to career competitiveness to social norms and ideals, we struggle to stand up and stand out.
I revisit this thought often as it’s part of the very foundation of brand building. While I analyze and shape businesses and brands, I observe who’s already in their space, sure, but I'm really there to focus on the differences rather than the similarities. Brand building is about uncovering and defining what makes you, YOU; what makes you stand out, own your individuality, and become unforgettable. Basically highlighting anything that helps you NOT fit in.
Owning your individuality is hard. It takes confidence, courage, and curiosity to authentically own what makes you unique. However, I think it's just as exhausting chasing someone else's originality, so it's kind of a game of choose your battle. Personally, I'd rather win the war.
In short, there may have been a time and place when fitting in was a necessary part of life, but that time is not now. With roughly 8 billion people on this planet, blending in just isn’t an option. Our power and growth as people and societies lie within our ability to be different. So whether you’re building a brand or shaping who you are as a person, our differences make us memorable, interesting, and attractive, and isn't that what we all want?
Lastly, to be completely fair to the title selection, our interest in aliens is because of the unknown differences that we simply can't explain. So if we are in fact not alone in the universe (likely true), aren't we aliens to them?? 🤯
