🎧 In This Episode
We explore the uncomfortable truth that being "normal" in today's society means accepting chronic disease as inevitable.
Using Ben's Instagram post about "weird" health habits as our starting point, we dive deep into why choosing health over social approval requires courage, and how to build the identity needed to live authentically.
Listen Now
Chase Club (Ad Free)
Sponsored By
Our Place - Toxin-free cookware
Momentous - Creatine Lemon Powder
Rag & Bone - Premium denim jeans
Function Health - Comprehensive health platform
Quick Preview
The 70% Problem: Why being "well-adjusted" to a society where 70% have chronic disease is actually unhealthy
The Weird List: Specific behaviors that seem strange but create extraordinary health outcomes
Identity vs. Actions: How to build lasting change by starting with who you are, not what you do
The Courage Tax: Understanding what it really costs to live true to yourself instead of seeking approval
❤️🔥 A Deeper Dive
Big Ideas
The Healthy Deviant Concept
We start with Jiddu Krishnamurti’s profound insight: "It's no measure of health to be well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society." When 70% of Americans have at least one chronic disease — all lifestyle-related — being "normal" means being sick. The path to health requires becoming what society views as weird.
From Status Games to Health Games
Most people organize their lives around status: promotions, paychecks, prestige. But what if health became your organizing principle instead? This shift changes everything from how you spend your time to the decisions you make daily. It's not about perfection — it's about intentionality.
The Music Only You Can Hear
Using Nietzsche's beautiful metaphor about dancers appearing insane to those who can't hear the music, we explore how living authentically means accepting that others won't understand your choices. The key is developing enough self-awareness to hear your own music clearly.
Key Distinctions
Default Path vs. Uncommon Path
Default Path: Following society's predetermined route to "success" — school, job, promotion, retirement
Uncommon Path: Questioning inherited beliefs and choosing your own direction based on your values
Being Contrarian vs. Being Intentional
Contrarian: Opposing things just to be different
Intentional: Making conscious choices aligned with your values, regardless of what others think
External Validation vs. Internal Compass
External Validation: Seeking approval and acceptance from others before making decisions
Internal Compass: Using your own values and long-term vision to guide choices
Reflection Questions
What "weird" behaviors do you already practice that others don't understand? How do these serve your long-term health and happiness?
Where in your life are you still playing status games instead of focusing on what truly matters to you?
What would you do differently if you completely removed the need for others' approval from your decision-making process?
When you imagine yourself at 80, what behaviors would your older self thank you for starting now?
What "music" are you hearing that others in your life might not be able to hear yet?
Practice Opportunities
The Weird Audit
Review Ben's list of "weird" behaviors and identify which ones resonate with you. Start with just one and commit to it for a week, noticing both the internal resistance and external reactions.
The Identity Shift Exercise
Instead of saying "I'm trying to eat healthier," practice saying "I'm someone who prioritizes health." Notice how this identity-first language changes your decision-making.
The Courage Moment Practice
Each day, identify one small moment where you can choose authenticity over approval—leaving early to protect sleep, ordering water instead of alcohol, stretching at your kid's game. Build the courage muscle gradually.
Application Framework
Step 1: Awareness
Recognize where you're following the default path without conscious choice. What beliefs about "normal" did you inherit rather than choose?
Step 2: Intention
Get clear on your values and what you want your life to look like. Use the deathbed exercise: What will you wish you had done more of?
Step 3: Action
Start with identity, then let actions follow. Choose one "weird" behavior that aligns with your values and commit to it regardless of others' opinions.
Step 4: Community
Find people who share your values or at least support your authentic choices. You don't need everyone to understand, but you need someone who does.
Key Takeaways
Health is the ultimate foundation for freedom. When you're sick or in pain, nothing else matters. Every "weird" health choice you make today is an investment in your future capacity to do what you love.
Courage is required to live authentically. The default path exists because it's easy and socially acceptable. Choosing your own path requires ongoing courage and the willingness to be misunderstood.
Identity drives behavior more than willpower. Instead of fighting your impulses, become someone for whom healthy choices are natural. Let your actions flow from who you are, not who you're trying to become.
The music is already playing. You don't need to wait for permission or understanding from others. The question isn't whether you should dance to your own music—it's whether you'll develop the awareness to hear it.
Chasing Excellence is an audience-supported project. To go deeper & to help us do even more, consider:
Subscribing to get our free posts or upgrading to receive the Daily Chase posts & bonus content.
Grabbing one of our books: Chasing Excellence, Unlocking Potential, or The ABCs of Being Happy & Healthy.
Supporting one of our fantastic show sponsors.