The Normalcy Trap: Do You Too Easily Dismiss Your Value?

Have you ever talked about something that felt small to you, only to realize it was a big deal to someone else?

Maybe you were just sharing what you know, not thinking much of it. But then someone stopped, leaned in, and wanted to know more.

That’s when you realize that what feels normal to you is brand new to them.

That’s the Normalcy Trap. When something feels normal to us, we assume it’s not valuable to anyone else. But in reality, the very things that feel common to you might be life-changing to someone else.

I was reminded of this recently when one of the guys from our film team was showing my son a few behind-the-scenes video editing tricks. It probably felt like nothing to the expert. He does that kind of thing every day—whether it is camera setups, quick cuts, or audio adjustments. But to my son, who is just starting to get into video production, it was pure gold.

What no doubt seemed routine to him was meaningful to my son. He was teaching, shaping, and sparking something in my son without even realizing it. All because he shared something that felt normal to him.

That is how it works. You have lived your story. You have thought your thoughts. You have walked through seasons and been shaped by lessons that feel ordinary now, simply because they are familiar.

But here is the thing. Your story is unlike anyone else’s. No one else has your insight, your experience, or your perspective. And if you tell your story well, other people will be drawn to it. Drawn to you. Not because you are trying to impress them, but because you are being real. And real is what they need.

There are people in the world who will never connect with the people you think are more impressive. But they will connect with you.

So do not underestimate the value of what feels normal. Because what feels normal to you might be exactly what someone else is waiting to hear.