Demolish Traditional Boxes
By: Melanie J.
Tags: Self Improvement, Courage, Self Help, Insights, Fellowship Writers

“You can’t put extraordinary people into traditional boxes.” I first heard this quote used by an Emmy nominated comedian named Deon Cole. He was a writer on Conan’s late-night shows and now he’s a regular on Black-ish and Grown-ish. When he made that comment, he was referring to Conan, describing how he was a risk taker and made decisions untraditionally. Conan continuously steps outside of traditional boundaries, and ends up doing extraordinary things. Consequently, his comedic style is nothing like his counterparts and his fans recognizes that.

This quote resonated with me and I found it to be very impactful. Many individuals past and present stepped outside of traditional boundaries in order to achieve their greatness. There are so many extraordinary people in this world that are locked or forced into traditional boxes. Unfortunately, if they don’t decide to break down those invisible barriers, they will end up ordinary, simple or just average. Let me explain.

“Ordinary people pursue money, simple people pursue power, average people pursue fame, but extraordinary people pursue ideas.”

― Matshona Dhliwayo

In my life, I have encountered all four types of these types of people and each type taught me something about my own potential.

Ordinary People — Sometimes ordinary people do extraordinary things, but there are instances where people choose just to be ordinary. In my short journey on Medium, I have discovered so many writers on the platform who are here just to pursue money and it is evident in their writing. Because money is their primary focus, they lose sight of the purpose of writing, which is to impact and inspire others with words. Their main goal is to write viral articles, drive algorithms, and make the most money possible.



Consequently, I could tell these authors lacked real passion for the craft of writing. After reading those articles, I walked away with nothing, no lesson, no afterthought, nothing to ponder. Unfortunately, when some of these writers don’t succeed in gaining their financial goals, they tend to give up and move on to their next money making venture.



We should not allow money to be the primary factor when we decide our passions in life. Once we find our passions, the money will flow in thereafter. Step outside of traditional boxes and take chances that you would normally pass on. Those traditional boxes are extremely crowded, leaving no room for your greatness to flourish.



I have chosen to write with intent and passion to inspire those who might be reading. I would like my readers to feel a deep connection to my writing; to leave a lasting impact, something for them to ponder and revisit. Therefore, with each passing day, I am learning how to step outside traditional boxes and take more chances with my writing. If I can impact one person, then that is a measure of my success and that is good enough for me. Consequently, I will choose passion over money, it’s really just that simple.

Simple People — I think most humans are highly knowledgeable and complicated beings, so I prefer not to use the word simple. There are uncomplicated people with complicated minds, and they can and have achieved extraordinary things. However, there are uncomplicated people with uncomplicated minds who are comfortable in their traditional boxes. An uncomplicated person might have a one-dimensional mind incapable of advanced thinking.



If an uncomplicated person chooses to pursue power, they could end up falling flat. Some uncomplicated people are easy to manipulate and might make uncomplicated traditional decisions. Most powerful people have extraordinary abilities, and they went beyond their potentials and broke through traditional boxes. Those are the leaders who are the most admired and remembered for their impact and greatness.



I have no desires to pursue power; instead, I would like to be a powerful writer. Powerful writers are purposeful with their words and they can stimulate their readers’ minds. If I can impact people with my words, then I have served my purpose. For me, that would indicate that I broke through traditional boxes, accomplished something extraordinary and way above average.

Average People — Average people can do extraordinary things by breaking down invisible barriers. However, there are average people who are just… average. Some end up chasing fame just to gain popularity. They have no passion, no real drive, just a burning desire to be noticed. Fame is such a dangerous drug, as you could get addicted to constantly seeking it. Unfortunately, to achieve fame some people tend to sacrifice so much of themselves. Fame comes with so many caveats, and those in constant pursuit might end up getting stuck in traditional boxes with other average people.



As I mentioned before, traditional boxes are crowded, and will stunt someone’s greatness. Instead of fame, pursue your dreams, that thing that fuels your soul. Fame can be empty and unfulfilling, so don’t let it drive your choices. If what fuels your desires happens to bring you fame, then you have done something extraordinary.



I have learned not to pursue fame or popularity as it wouldn’t serve me. Fame can be short lived, as there are many others in the pipeline chasing that very same dream. I would rather be an impactful and inspirational person. When you inspire someone, you can change their lives for good. So, my goal is to write with purpose and tear down those invisible barriers. I believe I have the potential to become extraordinarily impactful.

Extraordinary People — When we meet someone who is extraordinary, we immediately know it. Those are the people in our lives who leave long lasting impressions. They have the most courage and they are in constant pursuit of ideas. They see the world differently and have the ability to impact change. They stimulate our minds and inspire us to be our greatest selves. They rejected all invisible barriers and removed themselves from traditional boxes that would’ve impeded their greatness. They will step up boldly with their ideas and work diligently to achieve them.



In history, the most extraordinary people have revolutionized and created movements. Their ideas were powerful and will transcend the end of time. I can sit here and name some extraordinary people and I know you can as well. Their names alone will trigger something deep inside your soul. That is how we can confirm they have truly accomplished something great.



I am in search of ideas and I am inspired every day. I look to extraordinary people to guide me on my way. I don’t think I will be a revolutionist, but I know I would like to explore ideas and impact change. So, my goal every day is to be an exceptional person and to not think or act in traditional ways. We all have so much potential, but we need to have the courage to break free of those traditional boxes and make our ideas flourish. Once we learn how to break free, we can accomplish extraordinary things.