Obedience is praised in children, as it’s generally believed that parents know best.
That’s not true, of course, and all the praise and approval you may have got from blindly following your parents’ rules could actually work against you in the end. Sometimes, always playing by the book means missing out on valuable life lessons that can only be learned through a bit of rebellion. Here are some things you might not have learned as a result.
1. It’s okay to question authority sometimes.
Blind obedience can lead to accepting things without critical thinking. Questioning authority, respectfully and thoughtfully, helps you develop your own opinions and stand up for what you believe in. It encourages you to think for yourself and not just follow the crowd.
2. Making mistakes is a natural part of learning and growing.
If you were always afraid of making mistakes or getting into trouble, you might have missed out on valuable learning opportunities. Mistakes can be painful, but they’re also how we learn, adapt, and become better versions of ourselves. It’s okay to stumble and fall, as long as you get back up and keep moving forward.
3. It’s important to stand up for yourself and what you believe in, even if it’s difficult.
Always obeying people can mean your own needs and desires fall by the wayside. Learning to assert yourself and express your opinions, even when it’s uncomfortable, is really important for building self-respect and healthy relationships. Your voice matters, and it’s okay to speak up.
4. Taking risks and being willing to be uncomfortable sometimes can lead to exciting new experiences and opportunities.
Playing it safe all the time can limit your growth and potential. Taking calculated risks and trying new things, even if they seem a bit scary, can open doors to new experiences, opportunities, and personal growth. You might discover hidden talents or passions you never knew you had.
5. It’s okay to express your emotions, even the negative ones.
Always being “good” and suppressing your emotions can lead to bottling things up and feeling disconnected from your true self. It’s healthy to express your emotions, even the difficult ones, in a healthy and constructive way. It allows you to process your feelings, communicate your needs, and build stronger connections with other people.
6. Sometimes, breaking the rules can lead to creative solutions and innovation.
Source: Unsplash While following rules is important for maintaining order and structure, sometimes thinking outside the box and challenging the status quo can lead to groundbreaking ideas and solutions. Don’t be afraid to question conventional wisdom and explore alternative paths.
7. It’s okay to make your own choices and not always follow the crowd.
Source: Unsplash Conformity can stifle individuality and prevent you from discovering your true self. Embrace your uniqueness and make choices that align with your values and passions, even if they’re different from what other people are doing. Be true to yourself, and don’t be afraid to stand out.
8. It’s important to learn to negotiate and compromise, not just comply.
Source: Pexels Always giving in to people can lead to resentment and feeling like your needs aren’t being met. Learning to negotiate and find compromises that work for everyone involved is a valuable skill for building healthy relationships and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.
9. Failure is not the end of the world; it’s an opportunity to learn and grow.
Source: Unsplash If you were always praised for being perfect, you might have developed a fear of failure. But failure is a natural part of life and an opportunity for growth. Embrace your mistakes, learn from them, and use them as stepping stones to success.
10. It’s okay to challenge unfair or unjust rules or expectations.
Source: Unsplash Blind obedience can lead to accepting injustice or inequality. If you encounter rules or expectations that seem unfair or unjust, don’t be afraid to question them or advocate for change. Standing up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult, is a sign of courage and integrity.
11. Sometimes, it’s necessary to put your own needs first.
Source: Unsplash Always putting everyone else’s needs before your own can lead to burnout and resentment. It’s okay to put yourself first and make choices that benefit you, even if it means disappointing people. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
12. It’s okay to express your anger or frustration in a healthy way.
Source: Unsplash Suppressing anger or frustration can lead to resentment and emotional outbursts. Learning to express these emotions in a healthy and constructive way can help you communicate your needs and resolve conflicts effectively.
13. It’s important to develop your own sense of identity and not rely solely on external validation.
Source: Unsplash Always wanting approval from other people can keep you from discovering your true self. Explore your interests, passions, and values, and develop a strong sense of identity that’s independent of external validation. You’re worthy and valuable, regardless of what anyone else thinks.
14. You don’t have to be perfect to be loved or accepted.
If you were always praised for being perfect, you might have developed the belief that you need to be flawless to be loved or accepted. But the truth is, everyone has flaws and imperfections. Embrace your vulnerability and allow yourself to be loved for who you truly are, not some idealised version of yourself.
15. It’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them.
If you were always afraid of making mistakes or getting into trouble, you might have missed out on valuable learning opportunities. Mistakes can be painful, but they’re also how we learn, adapt, and become better versions of ourselves. It’s okay to stumble and fall, as long as you get back up and keep moving forward.
16. It’s important to question the status quo and challenge norms.
Blindly following tradition or societal expectations can limit your growth and potential. Don’t be afraid to question the status quo and challenge norms that don’t align with your values or beliefs. Be a critical thinker and advocate for change when necessary.
