A rooster pridefully showing that putting him in socks is useless waste of time

1 Way to Go Crazy: Putting Socks on a Rooster.

March 19, 2025

Some things just ain’t meant to be. You ever try putting socks on a rooster? I hope not, but if you have, you probably learned real quick that it’s a fool’s errand. First off, roosters don’t need socks. Second, they don’t want ‘em. And third, even if you somehow manage to get a pair on, that bird’s gonna shake, scratch, and flap until those socks are halfway to next Tuesday.

Now, I haven’t spent much time dressing roosters. But, I have spent plenty of time watching folks—including myself—try to force things that just don’t fit. Maybe it’s a job that doesn’t suit you. Or, a friendship that’s run its course. Maybe a plan that sounded good on paper but just ain’t working out in real life. No matter how hard you try, if something isn’t meant to be, it’s gonna fight you every step of the way. Just like a rooster concerning socks.

Forcing what Ain’t Natural

There’s a difference between effort and forcing things. Effort is working hard at something that matters, pushing through challenges, and growing in the process. Forcing, though—that’s a different story. That’s when every step forward feels like wading through knee-deep mud. Or, when nothing clicks, and when all the joy gets wrung out of whatever you’re doing.

I once knew a fella who convinced himself he needed to be a morning person. He bought one of those sunrise alarm clocks. He started drinking green smoothies. Even tried one of those cold showers folks are always raving about. But no matter what he did, he was miserable before noon. His natural rhythm just wasn’t built for sunrise productivity, and forcing it only made things worse. Eventually, he gave up and let himself work when he worked best—late afternoons and evenings. And wouldn’t you know it? Everything got easier.

That’s the thing about life: sometimes, you’ve got to work with what you are instead of against it.

Knowing when to Let Go

Now, I ain’t saying you should quit at the first sign of trouble. Some things are worth sticking with. But when you keep pushing and pushing and all you’re getting in return is frustration, it might be time to step back. Ask: Is this something that can work, or am I just trying to be socks on a rooster?

Truth is, people are wired differently. Some thrive in structured environments, while others need flexibility. Some people love crowds, others recharge in solitude. Trying to force yourself into a situation that goes against your natural strengths and tendencies can leave you exhausted. So can fighting with a rooster. If you’ve ever wondered why certain things just don’t seem to fit take a look at this article, and it might give you some insight.

I’ve been there myself. Tried to be something I wasn’t, tried to fit into places where I didn’t belong. And let me tell you, no matter how hard you try, it’s exhausting pretending to be something you’re not. There’s a difference between growing into a better version of yourself and forcing yourself into a shape that was never yours. If you’ve got to constantly struggle just to keep something in place, maybe it’s not meant to be there. Maybe it’s time to let go of that rooster and make room for something that actually wants a pair of socks on it’s feet.

Lean into what Works

The best things in life feel natural—not always easy, but right. When you’re in the right place, doing the right thing, there’s a rhythm to it. Even when it’s hard, there’s still a flow, a sense that you’re moving in the right direction instead of against the current. Instead of spending all your energy forcing something that was never meant to work, lean into what does. Find the places where you fit, the things that come naturally, the work that makes you feel alive.

And if you ever catch yourself struggling or wrestling with something that refuses to cooperate, just ask yourself a question. Am I trying to put socks on a rooster?