What makes you different or weird, that’s your strength.
- Meryl Streep
When she says, “What makes you different or weird, that’s your strength,” Meryl Streep is challenging the common fear of standing out. From childhood, most people are taught to fit in — to blend with the crowd, to act “normal.” But Streep reminds us that the very traits that set us apart — our quirks, passions, and unconventional perspectives — are often the source of our greatest power.
In creative fields like acting, art, or entrepreneurship, originality is everything. The ability to see the world differently is what leads to innovation and authenticity. Streep herself built her legendary career not by conforming to Hollywood’s narrow mold, but by embracing her uniqueness — her voice, her look, her ability to inhabit complex characters.
This quote also applies beyond art. In personal and professional life, what makes you “weird” often makes you valuable. Maybe you think differently, question assumptions, or express yourself in a way others don’t. Those differences can become your edge — your signature way of creating, leading, or connecting with people.
Ultimately, Streep’s message is about self-acceptance and courage. Instead of hiding the parts of ourselves that don’t fit the norm, we should nurture them. Our individuality isn’t something to overcome — it’s something to own.