Not Normal: The Benefit of Imitating the Weird Ones

“Here’s to the crazy ones… the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers… because the ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” — Steve Jobs

ADAPTED FROM A NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED January 25, 2025

What does it mean to be “normal”?

Often, it means doing what everyone else is doing, staying comfortable, and fitting in. But when you think about the people who truly inspire you—whether it’s in fitness, work, or life—they’re not normal, are they? They’re the ones trying unconventional things, taking risks, and pushing boundaries.

Here’s the kicker: growth lives on the other side of normal. I’ve often said “the better version of you lies on the other side of hard work,” which is basically the same thing.

The “weird ones” are the ones who stay for an extra mobility session when everyone else heads out. They’re the ones who show up at 5:00am for the 5:30am class, meal prep religiously, or spend open gym time working on mobility and accessory strength work. They experiment with new techniques, track every rep, and embrace the discomfort of being different.

And guess what? Their results reflect it.

What Can You Learn from the Weird Ones?

If you’ve ever found yourself watching someone in the gym and thinking, “Why are they doing that?”—maybe it’s time to ask, “What can I learn from that?”

Our Breakthrough Blueprint group is a great example. These athletes are intentionally exploring improvement beyond the walls of the gym. They’re tackling mindset shifts, dialing in their habits, and proving that growth is about far more than just the next WOD. They’ve embraced the “weird” by challenging themselves to lean into discomfort, and it’s been incredible to watch the transformations—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.

This week, here’s how you can join them in exploring improvement:

1. Identify someone you admire—in the gym or beyond—and notice what they do differently.

2. Try one of their “weird” habits for yourself. Maybe it’s a new post-workout routine, journaling your lifts, or experimenting with a nutrition tweak.

3. Commit for the week, and observe the impact it has on your mindset and performance.

   
   

Every “weird” habit you adopt is a chance to step away from the norm and closer to your potential. And, before you know it, you’ll have found yourself surrounded by a tribe of people who are ALL a bit “not normal” in the same way you are. James Clear, in Atomic Habits, writes that “one of the most effective things you can do to build better habits is to join a culture where (1) your desired behavior us the normal behavior and (2) you already have something in common with the group.”

Community Spotlight: Chasing Virtuosity

Shoutout to the dozens of people who set new PRs this week! The image above is JUST from our recent deadlift day. But, despite how cool it is that our community is moving weight, I’m more impressed by HOW well our community is moving. We’re not perfect by any means, but across the board it’s obvious that we’re chasing virtuosity. And, while that’s a funny word, it means a lot.

Virtuosity — or, doing the common uncommonly well — is what we do when we slow down or lighten the loads to focus on mechanics first. I’ve seen dramatic improvements in the way we move as a group and while the image above celebrates more weight, it’s the continuous improvement in movement quality that really matters to me.

Special Kudos to those athletes who are making it their mission to move better, not just more or faster. Remember, Mechanics, Consistency and THEN Intensity.

Step Outside the Norm This Week

The people who inspire us most are the ones unafraid to do things differently. Whether it’s our Breakthrough Blueprint group exploring growth outside the gym, or the gym heroes who tackle their weaknesses head-on, one thing is clear: the “weird ones” are worth imitating.

So, what’s one small step you can take this week to explore improvement? Try something different. Be curious. Step outside the norm and closer to your potential.