Rules are an essential part of life. They give our lives structure and guide us in the right direction. However, too much adherence to rules severely limits your opportunities to grow and broaden your horizons in life and work.
Sometimes, you need to start breaking some rules to be the best version of yourself. Think of it as coming out of your current shell to improve your life and career.
Not sure which life rules to break to accomplish this? Not to worry, here are some examples you can start on.
Always Have a Plan.
Although it’s true that you won’t get far in life without a concrete plan, it’s also true that you can’t plan on everything. No matter how detailed your planning was; or how many contingencies you have, there will be times when you just have to go with the flow and adapt on the fly.
In addition, too much planning takes up precious time, time you could’ve used solving problems. Additionally, in my experience, too much planning can cause anxiety. You start overthinking things instead of just acting, and you get frustrated and lost when things don’t go according to plan.
The Right Time Will Come to You, Just Wait.
We’ve all heard this before. One reason why you’re holding back on applying for a raise, promotion, or raising a concern to your boss is that it’s not “time” yet. We wait for the coming of this golden opportunity, either because we think we’re not ready yet. Or because we’re afraid that asking right now would only lead to rejection.
The thing is, there is no such thing as a time that you’ll be fully ready. You either do it now, or waste your time and opportunity. All these make waiting for the right time another of the life rules to break to improve your career.
Asking Dumb Questions Makes You a Fool.
There’s nothing more embarrassing than asking a question during a meeting and being met by awkward silence from your boss or presenter. Perhaps you’ve asked a “common sense” question. Or, the answer is at an earlier point of the meeting.
However, what if your other co-workers wanted to ask the same question you asked, but they were too afraid to ask it? Your question may seem dumb to some, but it may be a legitimate concern for others. Asking questions also shows curiosity and enthusiasm for the meeting’s topic, traits that are greatly desired by employers.
What Worked Yesterday Can Still Work Today.
As the saying goes: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” However, if you want to take your career to the next level, this is one of the life rules to break. Complacency is the enemy of progress, after all.
Instead of resting on your laurels, why not develop newer and better ideas to address current issues in your work? Doing so shows creativity and initiative to your bosses, which can help improve your chances of getting promoted.
Ask Permission Before Doing or Saying Anything.
Okay, this following rule is something I struggle with even today. Yes, it is good to seek permission before doing something. It can be annoying to your bosses when you do it every day. Aside from being disruptive, it also makes you look insecure to your bosses and co-workers.
Besides asking permission directly, you should also avoid constantly asking for feedback. Your boss has given you the task, right? Then they’re confident of your skills. So have some more confidence in yourself; you can do it.
Ascend the Career Ladder While You’re Young.
Part of today’s work culture is the belief that the sooner you can climb the career ladder, the better. The sooner you can attain a high position and its accompanying salary in your chosen career, the sooner you can start enjoying life, right?
However, this life rule isn’t for everyone. Aside from over-exhaustion and burnout, you also risk developing toxic traits by following this rule. I know this sounds cliche, but we all indeed move at our own pace.
Rushing things may do more harm than good in the long run, especially if it leads to health deterioration. What good would your promotion and money be if you can’t enjoy it? Finding the pace that suits you will help you achieve your goals without sacrificing your health or social life.
Some Rules Are Meant to Be Broken.
“Change is the only permanent thing in this world.” as they say. Here are some life rules to break to adapt to these changes and advance your career.
Just to be clear, there’s nothing wrong with these rules in of themselves. It becomes problematic if you adhere to them too strictly that you become inflexible anymore.
