Since we were children, we have gone out of our way to be accepted. We couldn’t wear clothes that were out of style or have a haircut that didn’t fit in; otherwise we would be ostracized and picked on. So, we all, one way or another played the game so others would accept us. You have all heard it. You wanted to be a “cool kid”. Think about it now. How much of that has actually changed?

As teenagers and even adults, we attempt to conform to the group we are with at any given moment. This is even more applicable to those of you in the business world. Salesmen are the most keen at camouflaging themselves to others. From the way we speak to our general mannerisms, we take on a totally different persona in order to be liked…even if it means laughing at a joke you wouldn’t ordinarily find funny.

It’s not unnatural for us, as humans, to seek acceptance. History tells us that the earliest forms of humans were always traveling and hunting in groups. Today, group acceptance is slightly more selective. What group do you belong to? You don’t have one? What about your friends? Your friends are nothing more than a group that was the easiest for you to adapt to. Chances are that you and your friends share similar taste in music, clothing, and humor. Even those who claim that conforming is evil, or Emos, are still conforming to the “anti-conforming” group.

That, my good people, is how we classify our society. By simply looking at an individual, you can classify them as Emo, Hip-Hoper, Rocker, or even a Hippy. So, as it turns out, you can judge a book by its cover. You may not be able to tell every detail, however, you can get a sense for the tastes of an individual by simply noticing their general appearance.

I’m not stating that this is a bad thing; most people make a lot of money, or a lot of friends, by camouflaging. Just be aware that you are doing it. Remember the person in the mirror and think about what you like and think. Camouflaging is a skill, but it is a dangerous one. You can get lost in the game of adapting. Just remember who you are, even when you are standing comfortable accepted in a room full of strangers.