Rulebreakers – 10 Rules Everyone Should Break

We all have rules, even when you don’t realize it, you’re following all kinds of rules that started at childhood and sometimes with your parents.

Don’t touch that. That hairstyle is bad. Eat this at that time. Listen to that music. Date this type of person. Clean like this. Hang with these people. Live in that neighborhood. You should have that car. This list goes on and on.

While many of the rules are good for order and daily rhythm, there are at least 10 Rules Everyone Should Break. You learn rules from the culture and everyday experiences. All around you are things and people who influence you to embrace certain rules. You also get these rules from your personal beliefs, past success and failures. You don’t know when it happens, but a rule creeps into your mind quietly before you consider whether it’s good for you.

These 10 Rules Everyone Should Break address habits that are so engrained in your thinking that it’s easy to miss the opportunity for a smart decision. End the hidden, hindering rules and turn your life around with this list of 10 Rules Everyone Should Break:

Staying the same just because you’re successful. If you don’t break this rule, your success will be short-lived. Why? Because it won’t take long for the competition to figure out what you’re doing, copy it, and create something better. When you are successful, enjoy it. Celebrate. Then, go back and ask yourself, what next? How can I make it better? Keep growing, changing, adjusting, and reshaping. Break the rule of being the same and stay ahead of the pack with a fresh, new approach to your success.

Following your feelings. Feelings are real, but unthrottled, they lead to wrong decisions at the wrong time. When you have strong feelings take a step back and think about the best response. Consider timing, outcomes, and consequences of your actions. Think about the big picture, your values, what the response will cost. Instead of randomly following your emotions, make smart decisions that consider your feelings but follow your mission. Yes, feelings are real, but break the rule of following them without question.

Agreeing with your boss every time. Being a “Yes man or woman” may keep you out of trouble, but it muzzles your ability to bring your best to the table. Your boss needs someone who can add value, beyond what she has time to discover or handle herself. Make yourself valuable by offering solutions that move the company’s vision forward, and demonstrates your true leadership. If you answer, “Yes,” add something of value.”  Don’t follow the rule of agreeing every time. Break this rule and make a difference by helping your boss go beyond where she would be without you.

Following people just because you know them. It’s easy to follow people when you know them, especially when they are confident and convincing. They may know what’s best for their situation and goals, but that doesn’t mean they know what’s best for you. Break the rule of blindly following people you know. Ask questions, consider your personal desires and goals. Then make your own smart decision.

Defending yourself in every argument. Some arguments take so much time and energy that they are not worth winning. Step back and ask yourself, “Is it worth it? Who am I arguing with? What value do they bring? Does winning this argument advance my goals? Is there a bigger picture behind the argument that I should consider? What are the consequences to my response?” Some people thrive on chaos. Others argue out of their own deficit. Break the rule of defending yourself in every argument and manage your conflicts in a healthy way.

Always sitting at the popular table. We love to sit at the popular table and have the best seat in the house. While you’re there, take a moment to move around and hang out with other people in the room. The popular table is well-trained to follow protocol. They will follow the political conversation which is not always honest. People at other tables are not as concerned with protocol. They will tell you the truth, even when it’s not good news. Take a moment to listen to different voices. You get valuable information that the popular table won’t have the courage to express.  Break the rule of always sitting at the popular table and see what you can learn when you freely talk to everyone in the room.

 Following the pack. You will not get where you’re trying to go, by simply following the pack. Although they are the majority, they follow the crowd. They won’t create their own path or step out of the norm. When you follow, they hinder you too because they tell you to stay the same. Don’t change. Don’t move. Break the rule of following the pack and clear a trail in the direction that takes you where you really want to go – not just the easy path that everyone is taking.

Believing loud, convincing people. Loud, convincing people often get their way because they are so forceful. They are passionate and passion attracts. Break the rule of believing forceful people just because they are passionate and loud.They may sincerely believe in their point and it may even be true, for them. For you, maybe not. Have the courage to say, “No, thank you,” to convincing people. You can respect their passion and still not agree that it’s right for you.

Telling everyone what you’re planning to do.

Ouch! This one can hurt you. Your plans are like fine pearls. Be careful who you let hold them when they don’t understand the value of your talent and ability. God has given you gifts and ability that is not always obvious to others. That doesn’t mean you don’t have the ability. It just means they don’t see it. When you tell others too much about what you are planning, they base their response on what they see not what you are truly capable of doing. Break the rule of telling people what you’re going to do. Wait and let them see what you have done. Then you can tell your story.

Giving your opinion just because you can

Most people have something to say. We love to give our opinion for people to learn and grow from what we share. Most of the time, it’s a good thing, that is, if you really understand the goals of the other person. When you randomly give your opinion, based on your own experience, it falls short of being what the other person needs. People are not always looking for an opinion, they are looking for affirmations or a listening ear. Break the rule of giving your opinion just because you can and allow people to find their own way and enjoy their own journey. Their different way could be their right way.

There’s nothing wrong with rules. The problem comes when they’re based on another person’s opinion and need you to agree and follow. This is the Opinion Epidemic and creates a need for you to stop and embrace your inner Rulebreaker.

No worries. I’m a rulebreaker too!

#rulebreaker_go.

For more insightful posts about being a Rulebreaker, register on this site. Discover the rules to break in your own life.

In my upcoming book, It’s One O’Clock: Time To Unleash Your Personal Warrior, I’m diving into everything it takes to fight for yourself, including breaking some rules. I hope you will register on this site and join the party.