Why Rule Breakers Do Better
Although it may seem a sweeping statement, it is, by and large, true.
This is not an endorsement of reckless and indiscriminate rule breaking.
It is an observation that you’ll ultimately do better in most facets of your life when you have the gall, grit and gumption to create and live by your own rules, your own codes and precepts.
When you base your personal decisions on these lines in the sand and adhere to your own sense of right and wrong, you cannot fail to walk the earth with shoulders back, head held high and beholden to no one. For if you fail yourself in this exercise, you will eventually fail others, the ones who count and matter most.
Here are 5 reasons why those of you who make your own rules do better.
1. Your decisions are based on a gut-level instinct and a considered code
For instance, you don’t have to wring your hands about how to respond in most situations since you’ve developed a well thought out script of rules. Because you can think and act decisively, based on this roadmap, you’ll avoid lost time anguishing over many otherwise debilitating obstacles or dilemmas.
2. You take risks
In taking calculated risks you learn to weigh things well. You become adept at the calculus of risk. You appreciate that preparation, information and certitude are crucial.
You eventually discover that the greater the risk, the greater the reward but losing at that level could carry a steep penalty.
3. You don’t ask permission
You realize before others that in order to actually “get things done,” you have to just do them, without getting approvals, permissions or signoffs.
It’s having a certain much-needed initiative that may present as insubordination to the more meekly mild acolytes of the straight and narrow, who can’t imagine or abide ever coloring outside of the lines.
However, you are not so much a rule breaker, as a rule maker and rule bender, fashioning something – an innovation, a system or philosophy – that actually works better and leans towards a greater good.
4. You make mistakes
You learn to think on your feet because taking risks means accepting that you will make mistakes and finding your way back out of them. These may be based on poor preparation, miscalculations or hubris.
But your mistakes will also teach you important lessons such as fluidity, flexibility and humility – not to mention what works and what doesn’t.
5. You learn to keep your own council
Because you’re not easily swayed, and comfortable in your own skin you eventually discover that you remain steadfast and loyal as your own best advisor.
You’re not likely to be convinced to do anything that goes against your grain or feels out of tune with your inner voice and nature.
Final Thoughts - Your compass always points True North
You are hopefully happy with a lifetime of rule breaking and rule making but if not, you can at least take comfort in the knowledge that your compass always points True North.
One of the best things about making your own rules is that you cannot then blame others for mistakes you’ve made using your own playbook. Your compass will always point true north and your self-reliance, integrity, humility and self-awareness will imbue you with a strength and resilience only other rule makers will ever know.
Are you rule maker?
Rule breaker? Rule bender?
Or rule follower?
We would love to hear from you! Leave a reply below.
Lisa Ryan LPC
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