Embrace Flexibility: The Power of Breaking Your Own Rules
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Chapter 1: The Value of Breaking Rules
This is the latest edition of my weekly newsletter, Renaissance, which I send out every Monday morning. It’s packed with insights, inspiration, and a touch of dad humor.
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What Am I Learning?
Our perception of reality can be quite limited. We typically accept that we have five senses: taste, touch, hearing, smell, and sight. Most of us take this information at face value, but David Eagleman challenges this notion in his captivating TED Talk.
He illustrates how we can develop additional senses that enhance our perception of the universe. For example, imagine if an astronaut could sense a malfunction in the International Space Station without needing to don a suit and risk their life to investigate. If that doesn’t intrigue you, I’m not sure what will!
What Am I Reflecting On?
Why it's beneficial to deviate from your rules occasionally—about 2% of the time, in my case. While I appreciate structure and discipline, I recognize that strict adherence can hinder life's adventures.
Though I consider myself fairly disciplined, there’s significant merit in embracing spontaneity. Breaking away from routine can lead to unforgettable experiences and memories. It’s essential to strike a balance between order and freedom. For me, that balance is about 2% of the time—though, thinking about it, that seems like another rule!
Ultimately, it’s often through breaking your rules that you come to value them more deeply. Both structure and chaos play vital roles in crafting a fulfilling life narrative. The best part? You have the power to decide how much of each you incorporate into your unique journey.
Quote of the Week
“Regard yourself as a cloud, in the flesh, because you see, clouds never make mistakes. Did you ever see a cloud that was misshapen? Did you ever see a badly designed wave? No, they always do the right thing. But, if you will, treat yourself for a while as a cloud or a wave and realize that you can’t make a mistake whatever you do. Because even if you do something that appears totally disastrous, it will all come out in the wash somehow or another. Then through this capacity, you will develop a kind of confidence. And through confidence, you will be able to trust your own intuition.”
- Alan Watts
What Am I Reading?
Currently, I’m diving into Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach, which deepens my understanding of Buddhism. If you have any recommendations, I’d love to hear them!
Chapter 2: Timeless Wisdom for a Fulfilling Life
This video, "Sometimes It's Okay To Break The Rules," explores the concept of breaking rules to enrich your life. It emphasizes the courage needed to step out of your comfort zone and embrace spontaneity.
In "The Best Leaders Break Rules," Jacob Morgan discusses how effective leaders often challenge the status quo, illustrating that sometimes, breaking rules can lead to greater success and innovation.
What To Do Next?
That’s all for now! If you’d like to continue receiving weekly motivation and inspiration, consider subscribing here. Let’s make Monday mornings great again!