Giving Rules The Flick

Rules rules rules. We are given rules to follow as soon as we’re born. You must pick up your toys, you must be nice, you must be home by a certain time etc. As we grow older there are more rules, start work at 8 and leave at 4, an hour for lunch, show respect to those in superior roles to your own.

Social rules are largely set forth by the masses. Social pressure ensures that you adhere to them since you’d certainly be made aware of stepping even the slightest bit out of bounds. A number of these social rules are good and work to keep us in check so we have a relatively smooth running society. But what about rules that don’t really matter? What about rules that don’t have huge societal consequences?

Most of us know that a large part of landing your dream job is to stand out from the crowd, be different, creative, unique; in other words think out of the box and break the rules. The reason most people don’t break the rules and choose to go with the norm is they are afraid of the ridicule and embarrassment they may face. On the other hand they may be faced with great results and by not thinking outside of the box and even ignoring the rules they’ll never know.

Here are some ways you can ease into giving rules the flick. Try out what suits you and see what comes of it, it likely won’t be as scary as you think.

1. Don’t take No for an answer. If you are applying for a job or are simply wanting to help someone if they tell you no, don’t take it. Tell them why you are the person for the job, go out on a limb and sell yourself. Throw out a suggestion of potentially taking a different position within the company than the one you applied for. Show how eager you are to work for this company and put yourself out there. I know for a fact that this has worked in the past.

2. Write in your books. I know there are a lot of people who already do this but I know I find it particularly difficult to do. Since you’re little you’re told not to write in your books. It’s a great way to turn a great book into a valuable resource. Do it! Live on the edge.

3. Interrupt, but don’t be obnoxious. Too often we sit by politely letting someone finish only to forget a question we were going to ask or we end up so lost we don’t even know where to being to try and sort out the confusion. Interrupt, politely and clarify early on in a lesson, meeting or conversation and avoid being lost from the beginning.

There are no right ways or wrong ways of doing most things. Break the rules and step out of your comfort zone and see what comes of it. You might be pleasantly surprised.

What rules can you think of that might just be worth breaking?

See also:

The Adult Tantrum

What’s Your Greatest Fear?

Do You Like To Cook, Read or Flip The Pages?

10 Life Truths You Should Be Aware Of If You’re Not Already

Photo courtesy of: charlottel