Despite the havoc and destruction that COVID-19 has caused, it has also cleared the way for a new normal. Humanity has a chance at a fresh start — yourself included. Let that sink in for a moment. Now is your chance to redefine how you view the world and live your life.

The coronavirus pandemic has made three truths painfully clear:

• Life is short.
• Nothing is guaranteed.
• We are one interconnected human race on a shared planet.

• The public school system adequately prepares you for adulthood.
• Your national government is a reliable safety net for times of crisis and disaster. (That depends which country you’re from, I suppose.)
• The purpose of law enforcement is to serve and protect.
• Po...

• Racism doesn’t exist anymore.
• Everyone is on an equal playing field.
• Change takes a long time.
• People from different countries are “different” than you.
• Walls and borders will protect you.
• The U.S. is the leader of the free world.

Society marvels at people who achieve meteoric success by ignoring conventional wisdom. But what if Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Elon Musk weren’t supposed to be outliers? What if dropping out of college to build things in your garage was encouraged? What if zigging when everyone zags were the bes...

• You have to go to college to get a good job.
• You should pick one major or one career path.
• Freelancing or working for yourself is “risky” while working in a traditional job is “safe.”
• One income stream is sufficient for financial stability.
• Working in a job yo...

• The modern-day healthcare system is invincible.
• You can rely on medicines and vaccines rather than taking care of your immune system.
• Managing a stressed-out, overweight population dependent on prescription drugs is normal, acceptable, and the best we can do as a society.