I've been a rule follower my entire life. I was the kid in school who actually wanted to be the teacher's pet. I wanted to be the best daughter. And not surprisingly, I was an R.A. in college.
I've been called straight-edged, prude, a goody two-shoes, a party pooper, a Debbie downer, a wet blanket...
Heck, I'm still a rule follower. In my current career, not only do I follow the rules, I make the rules. I am a professional party pooper. Also known as a project manager.
But as an introvert and especially as an INFJ, I also have this deep, inner desire to break rules, to look at things differently, and to improve what's broken.
As I get older and become more self-aware, I find myself questioning rules more often. I'm learning to make decisions based on what's best for me, not because someone else told me to.
And at the end of the day, there are simply way too many rules to keep track of:
Drink coffee.
Don't drink coffee.
Eat dairy.
Don't eat dairy.
Work out, but not too much.
Be more present.
Think about the future.
Sleep 8 hours a night.
Eat more greens.
Don't eat too much raw kale.
Don't work too hard.
Stop being lazy.
Sometimes, I just need to step away from the noise and listen to myself.