Conformism is to comply with existing brules (bullshit rules). Conformist is the one who uncritically and habitually follow the established standards, rules, norms. They are like zombies, they would not break brules which has done more harm than the good to them. So, what should one do if not conform? Well, Thomas jefferson once said that, "the highest form of patriotism is to dissent". As we all know that the world has gone through various stages. From hunting society to gathering society to agriculture society to the industrial age and now the modern age, where one can earn money by simply posting their stuff on steemit. This evolutionary process has take ages but it would not be wrong to contend that in last decade or two the world has completely transformed. This has become possible by the effort of those who critically challenges the established practices, norms, rules and standards. They are non-conformist, their dissent and dissatisfaction has made the world the way it has become now. 
Case in point:
Ptolemy vs Copernicus.
As per Ptolemy earth was the centre of attraction and this notion has become the law for centuries, however, Copernicus challenge this notion. According to Copernicus Sun is the centre of attraction, though in start Copernicus faces a lot of resistance from the people of that time but gradually with the scientific awareness people started to believe this notion.
There are multiple examples of non-conformist spanning from technology, business, sports, arts, entertainment. Steve jobs, bill gates, nelson mendala to mention the least. They are the survivors of the world, they had completely transformed the world.
Conclusion:
It is evident from the above discussion that the one who think outside the box are the one who can sustain in today's competitive world. In order to succeed one should follow his/her gut feeling. George Bernard Shaw said, " Reasonable people adapt themselves to the world while unreasonable people persist on adapting the world to themselves. Therefore all progress depends on unreasonable people".