Chapter 1: The Frustration of Rules

I have a natural aversion to rules.

It's not that I oppose sensible regulations that ensure safety, like buckling up in a vehicle or patiently waiting in line. My frustration lies with rules that seem to exist solely to complicate life for everyone involved.

Having spent a significant amount of time in the education sector, I initially trained as a primary school teacher and spent years working with young children. After a career change to farming, I eventually returned to academia and have served as a university lecturer in the UK for over ten years. Throughout my journey, I've encountered countless rules. One of the primary reasons I transitioned away from school teaching was due to the seemingly pointless regulations — I sought funding for more classroom fiction books from the Parent Teacher Association, only to discover that my approach was not well-received. My tendency to cut through bureaucratic red tape and address challenges directly often clashed with institutional norms.

Even during my time in farming, I remained focused on improvement and goal-setting. However, as a newcomer and a young woman in a traditional environment, it quickly became apparent that my fresh ideas were sometimes too radical for the established mindset.

It's essential to acknowledge that not all my ideas were gems — many were undoubtedly misguided. While creativity and enthusiasm are valuable, they should be balanced with wisdom and experience. Now, as a more seasoned individual, I believe I possess better judgment regarding unconventional concepts.

Nevertheless, my dislike for rules persists. I've come to understand that when I find myself confined by regulations, I grow frustrated and seek alternative pathways to achieve my objectives. This often doesn't entail outright defiance of the rules; instead, I explore different avenues where those rules don't apply.

Consider this analogy: envision rules as a paved road cutting through a vast field. As we drive contentedly along, we may encounter a roadblock. There’s no indication that we can’t venture off the paved path to bypass the obstruction. While it might take longer to navigate the uncharted terrain, we forge a unique route — the road less traveled.

Also, please remember that this is a metaphor. Avoid attempting to circumvent actual roadblocks while driving, as that would involve breaking legitimate laws!

Let me share an instance of how I navigated a challenge by taking an alternative approach. While farming, I needed to generate extra income to support my Master's degree (yes, I tend to juggle multiple projects simultaneously, even with young children in the mix). I began freelancing for magazines during a time when opportunities for paid writing were more abundant than they are today. Lacking formal journalism training but encouraged by a stranger who praised my writing, I pitched ideas to editors. Some resonated, and thus began my professional writing journey.

In another example from my university teaching days, I noticed a significant barrier for undergraduate students striving to share their work. Submitting magazine articles or short stories often felt intimidating, as many new writers lacked the confidence to pursue publication. I dedicated time to encouraging my students to submit their pieces, but their insecurities frequently held them back.

I can relate — I still grapple with self-doubt! Each writer experiences that nagging feeling that their work isn't good enough, and there's always the looming prospect of discovering a typo right after hitting "send."

Yet, as the renowned Susan Jeffers, PhD, wisely stated, "Feel the fear and do it anyway." However, as Dr. Heidi Colthup, PhD, points out, that’s often easier said than done.

So, how did I address the fear of rejection that often accompanies submitting work? Instead of allowing my students to be paralyzed by the idea that they must submit work only to face likely rejection, I created a publication on Medium for them. This platform provided them with real-world editing experience, the thrill of publication, and the opportunity to share their writing with an audience. Not only did they produce outstanding work, but their confidence flourished, leading many to submit their writing elsewhere. Numerous students have gone on to achieve successful careers in media.

That was my method of navigating the constraints of conventional rules — I didn’t break them; I simply found a different path to reach my destination.

Chapter 2: Creative Solutions in Action

In this insightful talk by Dan North, the importance of breaking traditional rules in order to foster creativity and problem-solving is emphasized. He illustrates how thinking outside the box can lead to innovative solutions.

This video discusses the 1-3-1 rule, providing a structured approach to writing that can help overcome the common hurdles faced by aspiring writers. It encourages creativity while adhering to effective writing principles.