Learn to Think in Color

What Invisible Rules Might You Be Following Without Realizing It? How hidden “shoulds” quietly script your choices, habits, and identity.   Big Picture Most of us are guided by  invisible rules —unspoken “shoulds” about work, success, relationships, and even how we’re allowed to feel. These rules rarely show up as conscious beliefs; they hide inside phrases like “that’s just how things are” or “people like me don’t do that.” When you can spot these hidden rules, you gain leverage: you can decide which ones to keep, which to modify, and which to completely ignore. Why these hidden rules matter Learning to question invisible rules helps you make more intentional choices, design a life that fits  you , and avoid running on autopilot based on other people’s expectations. Think of it as upgrading from following a default script to co-writing your own. What Are “Invisible Rules” Anyway? Invisible rules are assumptions that feel like facts: “Serious people don’t switch careers i...

When Does It Make Sense to Break the Rules? Why Strategic Rule-Breaking Is a Sign of Mastery, Not Rebellion   Framing the Question The surgeon who operates outside protocol to save a patient’s life. The software engineer who bypasses security guidelines to prevent a catastrophic system failure. The teacher who ignores standardized curriculum to reach a struggling student. These aren’t acts of rebellion—they’re calculated decisions where breaking the rules serves a higher purpose. But for every justified rule-break, there are countless others that backfire spectacularly. The difference lies not in courage or creativity, but in judgment. Understanding when to break rules requires confronting uncomfortable questions about consequences, ethics, and our own blind spots. The Paradox of Mastery: Learn the Rules First Before you break a rule, you need to deeply understand it. The most effective rule-breakers aren’t anarchists—they’re experts who recognize when their hard-won knowledge conf...