You can't just say you're different, you have to prove it with your actions.

There's a big difference between talking and walking the talk.

In the first instance you can say anything you want. Make yourself look good and professional. Even pronounce to the world that you're "different."

What you can't do, however, is fake walking your talk. It's just not possible.

If you're saying you're different, next we want to see from you HOW you are different (and if we can't find proof you're different, we'll know you're just talking). Is your brand original, does your copy scream you, or is your business model all wacky?

Something you do - or all that you do - needs to be different if you say you are.

It has happened to me enough times to say...

The stupidest thing you can do is to say you're different and do what everyone else does.

Seriously.

I have landed on sites where the owners say they're "unconventional rule breakers" and where every other word is a curse word (my favorite rebels do not curse), but then I am flooded with popups, contrarian tirades, and it's this charade where I have no idea where I am or why I even got there. You can probably guess my next step - I left.

Never to go back again, whatever they say or insist they are.

Fellow rebels, it's time to walk the talk.

And I don't mean that you should do crazy sh*t like some of these rebels:

Jason Zook (who sold his name and is now selling his future) or Jedidiah Jenkins (who dropped everything to cycle around the world and re-awaken his brain) or Jeremy Cowart (who is building the most insane and wonderful hotel in the entire world).

I'm asking you to show us what your rebellion looks like, not what it sounds like.

Tell me about a project you did that was unusual.

Tell me about an instance in your life where you went against convention.

Or better yet, show us HOW you are different.

It can be something small like... you still use snail mail (like my friend Rebecca). Or maybe you do a different kind of greeting cards. Or maybe your creativity doesn't look like everybody else's creativity. Maybe your goal in life is facing your fears.

My rebellion is knowing who I am and using that to build a community of creative rebels.

Your rebellion can be similar, yet still unique to you. The important thing is not to parrot each other, but stay authentic to who we are and what we strive for.

By virtue of being human, you are different. Society may try to homogenize us and our loved ones may try to match us to their expectations, but we were born with our unique talents, strengths, and personality traits that we can't just keep to ourselves.

Your biggest rebellion may just be doing what comes naturally.