I listened to a fascinating episode of This American Life this morning. It discussed a few stories where people consciously made the wrong decision despite knowing better. One story discussed Wilt Chamberlain and his 100 point basketball game. He was a notoriously poor free-throw shooter in his career, but he tried underhand shooting during this game. He shot about 87% from the free-throw line, which is double his usual percentage. Despite knowing that underhand is the way to go for him, Chamberlain did not continue the underhand free-throw shot for the rest of his career. He felt ashamed of it, like it was a sissy thing to do. He could have had more 100+ point games in his career if he made free-throws at a higher percentage, yet he chose against it. It’s an understandable sentiment, especially in a testosterone-filled game like basketball. It would take a bold individual to deviate from the herd and fight through the shame to change the status quo. Such bold individuals are winners. I want to deviate from the norm as well, but in a smart way – perhaps professionally, maybe socially too, maybe even in terms of lifestyle. The norm isn’t cool in most place. The standard water cooler conversations at work, complaining that it is only Wednesday. Living in the burbs, receiving Sears power tools on Father’s Day from the wife and kids, and then watching sports all weekend, every weekend. Going out to the bars with your twenty-something friends and having a “great” time. It’s easy to follow the herd, but at least we can try to do better.