Rules Were Made to Be Broken : 5 Reasons Why Being Yourself Pays Off

Does being a goody-two-shoes pay off? I can’t help but wonder
since there are also sayings like “nice guys always finish last”. Eventually,
you get tired of going by the rules and doing what has been defined as right.
Break the mold, step out of your comfort zone and you’ll be making more of a
difference than you realize.
The rocks in the way of our progress are our own fear and self-doubts.
1.      
Boosts Self-Confidence
Nothing could be more useful than feeling
good about a risky decision you just made. Quitting your job to launch your own
business, asking that person out on a date, or standing up to that one relative
who’s maltreated you are all prime examples of establishing confidence in
yourself. You may have listened to the other voice that tells you not to make a
fool of yourself, but where did that get you? Not very far I would imagine.
2.      
You’re Giving Someone Hope to Break out of Their
Own Mold
If you think your actions don’t make a
difference, think again. If you decide to step out of the norm by speaking up
on an issue at work that no one else wants to talk about, good on you. Chances
are everyone feels the same way but is too afraid to express their thoughts.
What you may not realize is someone else will be encouraged to also speak up
without being afraid – all because they saw you do it.
3.      
People Appreciate Being Challenged
To piggyback off of reason #2, your boss or
manager may be impressed with the way you voice your concerns. Chances are they
you will point out something that they failed to see and they will be grateful
that you did. You never know how far that will take you. Besides, nothing turns
people (including bosses) more than someone who is fearful or is trying to be
something that they’re clearly not. If your uniqueness doesn’t fit in or is not
appreciated by your job, there is an employer who will see what you carry and
not let you pass by. Don’t be ashamed of who you are and what you carry. People
are more perceptive than you know and will be able to see certain qualities
about you that they will appreciate. Even if they don’t agree with what you do
and say, they respect you.
 

Go ahead, put yourself in an uncomfortable position. You’ll cross over to the other side just fine!
4.      
No Regrets
There’s nothing worse than looking back and
wishing you would’ve made a better choice – wishing you should’ve spoken up.
Would’ve, should’ve, could’ves are just the worst. If it’s not something you
can turn around right away, you’ll have to live with that decision for years to
come.  The next time you have something
to say – say it. If someone made you feel a certain way about how you were
treated – tell them. Of course your delivery method should be decent if you
want them to properly hear what you have to say, so make sure it’s intact. Once
you get the issue off your chest or make a bold decision about something, you’re
good. You won’t have to worry what would’ve happened if you went the other way
because you have your answer. Having no regret is one less negativity you won’t
have weighing you down.
5.      
You’ll Discover Great Things About yourself

The more you express yourself freely (and in
a healthy way), the more you’ll discover about yourself – good and bad. Be sure
to make wise decisions with the negative things you find out about yourself and
use it towards self-improvement. You have a higher sense of who you are now and
should be able to manage it wisely. As far as the good things, the sky is the
limit. Once you tap into that part of your mind, you’re happy with yourself and
that energy will draw good people to you, people who are not only impressed but
will want to be your company. Who knows where that connection may go? Step
back, take a look, and go into the world without shame.
It’s not always easy to step out of the comfort zone and go against
the norm, but it’s possible. Don’t let anyone control who you are. You
establish who you are and let the world see for itself.