So why is going against the grain such a challenge for most of us? The answer lies in our past. Remember in school, when we were taught to draw inside the lines? Nothing wrong with that, but if we let our spirit roam and drew outside the lines, then, look out! We'd be "corrected" until we developed the "habit" of staying within the artificial boundaries given to us.

Because of this early conditioning, most people end up living their lives this way, living "inside the lines", otherwise known as our "comfort zone". A comfort zone being an area of security, familiarity, and what others have taught us is "appropriate".

Anything or anyone who doesn't fit in with the "norm" often pays the price of disapproval and scorn. Because being "accepted" and liked is a primary source of security for the ego, most people do their best to follow conventional wisdom and fit into the mold. This not only creates our limits but also crushes our spirit. It takes "guts" to be different; to stand out from the crowd; to break free from the "clone drone" society and be a true individual.

Society creates a paradox; first it tells us not to be different, but then it pays us big money for doing so. Examples include Madonna, Elvis, The Beatles, Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream, Howard Stern, etc. These people created their own style and stood up for what they believed. They drew outside the lines and won! The fact is, people buy "energy". Creativity and uniqueness have a special energy to them. To the contrary, being "boring" is the kiss of death to success.

The real problem is that for most of us, our spirits were crushed early on. Spirit does not understand "drawing inside the lines". Spirit has no lines. It is limitless and has no boundaries. Spirit is about growth, expansion, light, love and joy. Individual, family and social "rules" do not apply. Recognize that when others criticize you, they do so out of fear. But you can be sure that inside each of them is a "spirit" secretly applauding you for breaking free and wishing they had the courage to do the same. Be their inspiration!

Your focus for the next 30 days: Instead of squashing your individuality, celebrate your uniqueness. Instead of getting lost in the crowd, dare to stand out! Get creative. Do something extraordinary. Be unusual. Whatever business you are in, figure out a way to do it, package it, or market it differently than everyone else. The "march to the beat of your own drum" rule also pertains to money and investments. Remember, the masses are broke. Therefore, to be rich you must be a contrarian. You must think differently and act differently. Buy when everyone else is selling. Sell when everyone else is buying. "Zig" when the masses "zag".

This month, let go of worrying about what other people think of you. Find your own pulse, your own rhythm, and your own beat and begin marching to that. Guaranteed - you will not only feel a renewed sense of spirit and energy but will also dramatically increase your income and wealth.