Have you ever not gotten along with your boss? Do you sometimes not get along with authority or have trouble doing what other people tell you to do? Have you found yourself kind of not feeling like you fit in with the conforming society? You might just be a rebel – and that’s not a bad thing.
Every single one of us has some rebel tendencies inside. In this episode, Matt O’Neill sits down with rebel expert Joe Barnes to discuss what to do about those rebel tendencies and how to make the happiest, most successful life you can – being a rebel.
Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:
Embracing one’s rebellious nature
Tapping your inner rebel
The characteristics of a rebel
Creating one's place in the world as a rebel
Following heart-based decisions, even when difficult
Breaking societal conventions and creating a fulfilling work life
[01:14] Embracing One's Rebellious Nature
Rebelliousness can be painful, but also enable positive change when one gains autonomy. Accepting rebelliousness as natural wiring and nurturing it could potentially help rebellious children blaze their own trail to create great things if they have strong morals.
[09:38] Tapping Your Inner Rebel
We all have a rebellious side, whether seeking freedom or following our heart. This often stays hidden due to societal pressures. But embracing your rebel spirit unlocks creativity. Listen to your passions, not just others' expectations. Question meaningless rules and tasks. Express dissent through hobbies. Guide choices with values over conformity. Your rebellion can inspire positive change on your own terms.
[10:47] The Characteristics of a Rebel
A need for freedom and meaning -- Rebels want to determine their own path. They don't want to follow blindly without clear reasoning.
Questioning authority — Rebels are more likely to resist conforming and challenge established systems.
Making decisions based on internal passions and feelings rather than outside logic or expectations—Rebels follow their heart.
May feel like outsiders to mainstream culture — They are potentially struggling to fit into conventional roles and niches in life.
Driven to express individuality — Rebels want to blaze their own trail.
[18:37] Creating Your Place in the World
Joe acknowledges rebels may feel like outsiders to normal roles. However, through self-reflection and experimenting with different jobs, as Joe did first as a tennis coach then hypnotherapist, rebels can forge their own fulfilling path led by heart-based choices rather than conforming to societal expectations. Use your heart is your guide to navigate your way through life.
[22:42] Letting Your Heart Guide Your Decisions
Matt explains that the heart is our guide given by God to know right choices. When contemplating a future, a tight, constricted feeling in the chest means "no", while an open, loving, excited or passionate sensation provides a "yes" - not just mentally but physically feeling one's heart leading the way. Listening internally to how different options emotionally and somatically feel can help rebels and free spirits make choices aligned with their values and passions.
Resources Mentioned:
Heart Callings with Carolyn Rivers
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About the Guest
Joe Barnes is the author of "The Rebel Code" and a self-proclaimed rebel. He believes that embracing one's rebellious nature can lead to greater fulfillment and happiness in life through living authentically on one's own terms.
