Breaking the Mold: How I Took Control of My Future

Gracie P. Taylor
3 min readJan 11, 2023

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What if I told you that the key to a successful career and future lies in doing things differently? I know because I’ve been there, conforming to the norm and playing it safe, but it wasn’t until I took a leap of faith and did things my way that my career truly took off. From shaking up the status quo in my heavily male-dominated field to starting my own business, I’ll share with you how stepping out of your comfort zone and being different can open doors you never even knew existed.

I’ve often found myself feeling pressure to conform to societal expectations and follow the same career path as my peers. But over time, I’ve learned the value of doing things differently.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that standing out from the crowd can greatly benefit your career and future. It may seem counterintuitive at first — after all, aren’t we taught to blend in and fit in from a young age? But the truth is, being different can be a huge advantage.

For me, this realization came early on in my career. I started out in a field that was heavily dominated by men. While my male colleagues were content to stick to the status quo, I found myself wanting to shake things up. I proposed new ideas, took on projects that no one else wanted to touch, and refused to be limited by what was considered “the norm.”

My determination paid off. My bosses and colleagues began to take notice of my innovative thinking and willingness to take risks. I was quickly promoted and became known as a leader in my field.

But doing things differently isn’t just about standing out in the workplace. It’s also about taking control of your own future.

For example, after a few years working in a traditional office setting, I realized that the 9-to-5 grind wasn’t for me. I wanted more flexibility in my schedule and the ability to work from anywhere. So, I took the leap and started my own business. It wasn’t an easy decision — I had a mortgage to pay and bills to keep up with. But I knew that the benefits would far outweigh any short-term struggles.

And that’s exactly what happened. Now, as my own boss, I have the freedom to work on my terms and make my own schedule. And because my business is unique, I’ve been able to attract a loyal client base who values my fresh perspective and approach.

Doing things differently doesn’t always come naturally. It takes courage and confidence to go against the grain. But by taking that risk, you’re opening yourself up to new opportunities and possibilities. So, don’t be afraid to take that step outside of your comfort zone — your career and future will thank you for it.

In conclusion, doing things differently can seem scary and uncomfortable, but it can be a huge advantage for your career and future growth. It is important to be open to new ideas, think out of the box and not be constrained by societal expectations. Trust yourself and your abilities and don’t be afraid to take risks, it can open doors you never even knew existed.

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Gracie P. Taylor
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Hi! I'm a blogger helping people become their best selves & achieve their dreams. Follow me for personal development, goal setting tips & actionable advice!