15 Common Rules in Life That Are Totally Worth Breaking

How to break free and become a Master of your Life.

We are taught what to do all the time.

As children, our parents and teachers tell us what to be, wear, and say. They shape us.

And so we absorb these rules deeply and follow the constraints. Often we forget there can be another way.

Here are 15 common rules in life that are definitely worth breaking.

1. Carefully Consider Every Big Decision

Many people feel pressure to make the right decision.

They weigh the pros and cons. They estimate the consequences and costs. In other words, they overthink. But this methodical approach can lead to decision paralysis.

As Malcolm Gladwell claims in his book Blink, we are capable of making a good decision in a split second.

Thinking too much doesn’t guarantee a better decision. Your instincts already know the answer — you just give yourself time to justify the other one.

2. Stay in Your Lane

It’s good to know your place but it should never push you into suppressing who you are and what you can do.

Expand your domain and build on your strengths. Don’t be afraid to leave your lane and explore.

A growth mindset is bigger than a fixed mindset.

3. You Need to Work Hard to Succeed

While hard work can be rewarding, it is also exhausting.

You have to work smart instead. Play your own gave and don’t compare the working hours with others because hard work is relative.

Do enough to succeed at whatever you do.

4. Become an Expert in Your Field, Not a Generalist

Our society praises experts. But why is it bad to be a generalist?

It gives you a strong knowledge base to build on. You can always specialize later and expand to any sphere.

Generalize first, specialize later.

5. Let Things Play Out

Don’t be a passive observer of your life. It is happening to you and you have control over it.

Know when you need to push and let go. Find the difference and don’t be afraid to act.

6. Don’t Ask Questions

We are often told to stop asking questions because it’s inappropriate.

But what’s wrong with asking questions? It’s not a sign of stupidity, it’s a sign of genuine curiosity.

Don’t shy away from questions. Ask what you’re interested in. It’s up to people if they want to answer.

7. If Something Isn’t Broke, Don’t Fix It

If something isn’t broken it doesn’t mean you can’t make it better. There is always room for improvement.

Stagnation is not the way. Focus on small, positive changes.

8. Get a Steady Job

This might feel safe, but you know — low risk, low reward.

The world has been constantly changing. The digital era presents endless opportunities for career paths that don’t necessarily include a 9-5 schedule in the office.

Find your way and follow it. A steady job doesn’t mean the best job for you.

9. Waiting for the Right Moment

Waiting for a better time is a good excuse for those who are afraid to take action today.

The problem is, there is no such thing as a perfect moment. There is only now. Stop waiting for it — it will never come.

Gather your strength and courage and act now.

10. Don’t Talk to Strangers

It is another misconception that we carry with us since childhood. We consider strangers dangerous, someone who can hurt us. While this might be true, it’s often unjustified.

There are so many interesting people in the world that we don’t know. We can learn from them only if we open up to them and let them become closer than just strangers.

11. Get a Real Four-Year Degree

Our society considers people without a degree a failure. But why?

There is nothing wrong with skipping this step if you can use your time better.

If the university makes sense to you — go for it. If not, don’t sweat it. Do what feels right, not what society and traditions tell us to do.

Choose your path and follow it.

12. Save Now — Enjoy Later

From childhood, we learn to save what we have for another day. Coming from Russia, this was always a thing. We call it a “black day”.

You’d save what you have for the future if something bad happens. In the middle of this planning, you forget to live today.

Find a balance between spending all now and saving for later. Learn to enjoy the moments.

13. Always Have a Plan

Plans are good until they are not.

Life happens and you can’t plan every little thing. You need to learn to be flexible.

Adjusting quickly to new realities is important, otherwise, you’ll only be disappointed that nothing goes according to your plan.

Have a general plan but know how to improvise.

14. Don’t Praise Yourself

Don’t be shy to tell others about a good job you’ve done.

There is a thin line between showing off and sharing your achievements with others. If you’re proud of what you’ve achieved — let the world know. Genuine pride is a well-deserved one.

Do it in a way that feels right and don’t feel bad about it — after all, you’ve put in the work and got it done.

15. Stay Realistic

Knowing what’s real and what’s not is good, but dreaming big is better.

If it’s imaginable, it’s doable. Nothing is unrealistic — you just need to have the right tools for it.

Don’t let any peer pressure stop you. If someone tells you it’s impossible, don’t listen to them. Do what you need to do.

Credits: Sahil Bloom, The Curiosity Chronicle

Final Words

Rules are good when they introduce structure. They can also be limitations when they create constraints for us.

Consider which of these common rules hold you back. Be honest and break them if they no longer benefit you.

Once you break them, you’ll feel freer and in charge of your life.

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