Here’s the tea, babe: life is way too short to be living by someone else’s rulebook.
You know the one—where you’re told to stay quiet, fit in, and not make waves.
But honey, you weren’t made to blend in like wallpaper.
You were designed to stand out, shake things up, and break those tired old molds. So let’s talk about how to stop playing by their rules and start playing by yours. Spoiler alert: this is your glow-up era, and you’re about to rewrite the whole damn script.
Remember when Carrie Bradshaw once said, “Maybe the past is like an anchor holding us back”?
NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 21: Actress Sarah Jessica Parker as “Carrie Bradshaw” on location for “Sex and the City: The Movie” on September 21, 2007, in New York City. (Photo by Brian Ach/WireImage)
Well, it’s time to cut that anchor loose. Whether it’s the rules society tries to box you into, or the expectations your family and friends have thrown your way, the time has come to step out of those shadows and into the life you want to live. Buckle up, queen, because we’re not asking for permission anymore. We’re taking the reins.
Whose Rules Are You Even Playing By?
Okay, let’s get real for a minute. If you’ve ever found yourself stressed over “doing the right thing” or “following the plan,” ask yourself: whose plan are you really following? Was it yours? Or did you adopt someone else’s vision of success because it felt safe? Yeah, we’ve all been there, doing the whole “play it safe” dance. But safety doesn’t get you to where you want to be—it gets you exactly where you are. And honey, let’s be honest, you deserve so much more than that.
“The only rules worth following are the ones you write yourself. Everything else is just noise. So ditch the noise and start making music.”
The Childhood Patterns That Play on Repeat
Oh, babe, let’s go a little deeper here because we all know the rules we play by didn’t just come out of thin air. Somewhere, someone handed you a script, and you’ve been following it like a good girl ever since.
Maybe it was your parents telling you what “success” should look like. Maybe it was society telling you how you should act. But just because you were given that script doesn’t mean you have to stick to it.
Think about those childhood patterns that told you to stay in line, not speak up, and wait for your turn. Honey, that’s why you’re playing by rules that were never even yours to begin with. It’s time to flip the script and start living in a way that feels authentic to you.
“They handed you a script, but baby, you’re the director now. Rewrite the scene. Tear up the old pages. You’re starring in your own story—and this is the glow-up plot twist everyone’s been waiting for.”
Breaking the Rules Isn’t Rebellion—It’s Revolution
There’s this little voice inside so many of us, whispering, “Don’t rock the boat, don’t step out of line.” And let me tell you, that voice is NOT your friend.
It’s the voice of a society that’s afraid of what happens when women like us start breaking the mold. But guess what? Breaking the rules isn’t about rebellion—it’s about revolution. It’s about freeing yourself from the cage of expectations and stepping into a life that feels completely, authentically yours.
“The next time you feel the pressure to conform, remind yourself that icons don’t follow trends, they create them. And honey, you’re about to be iconic.”
Here’s How to Write Your Own Rules
Ready to shake things up? Good. Because here’s the fun part—writing your own rules. It’s not as scary as it sounds, I promise.
In fact, it’s incredibly liberating. All you need is a little courage, a dash of audacity, and a whole lot of confidence.
Let’s go through a few steps to help you start living by your rules:
- Get Clear on What You Want: Not what your mom wants, not what society says you should want, but what YOU want. This is your time to dream big and figure out what lights your soul on fire.
- Give Yourself Permission: This is your life. You don’t need anyone’s approval to start living it on your terms. Say it with me: I give myself permission to be as bold, as ambitious, and as fabulous as I want.
- Take Up Space: Stop apologizing for being here. Whether it’s in the boardroom, at the dinner table, or in your own living room, own your space like it was made just for you—because it was.
- Make Bold Moves: Whether that’s switching careers, starting your own business, or simply saying “no” more often, it’s time to take action. No more waiting around for the perfect moment. Now is the perfect moment.
“Start treating your life like it’s a designer runway show—if it doesn’t fit, doesn’t feel right, or doesn’t make you feel like a million bucks, toss it. You’re only accepting ‘hell yes’ energy from now on.”
When You Change the Rules, Some People Won’t Like It (And That’s Okay)
Let’s be real, babe—when you start living by your own rules, some people are going to have feelings about it. Maybe they’re used to you following the script, playing small, or not speaking up. Well, too bad. That version of you? She’s retired. The new you isn’t here to make everyone else comfortable. She’s here to live fully, boldly, and unapologetically. And if some people can’t handle that? That’s their problem, not yours.
“Don’t let anyone guilt-trip you into playing small. Their discomfort with your growth is a reflection of their own limitations, not yours. Shine brighter, baby—it’s their job to find sunglasses.”
Embracing the Glow-Up Era
Now that we’ve burned the rulebook and rewritten the script, let’s talk about your glow-up era. This isn’t just about looking fabulous (though we love that part, too)—it’s about owning your power, stepping into your truth, and finally living life on your terms. You’re not just breaking free—you’re leveling up. You’re stepping into a life that feels bigger, brighter, and more aligned with who you really are.
“This is your era, babe. You’re not playing by the rules because you make the rules. And guess what? The world is better for it. So strut your way into this new chapter like the boss you are.”
Here’s the bottom line, babe:
Life isn’t about following someone else’s rules. It’s about creating your own. It’s about listening to your gut, owning your desires, and having the courage to go after exactly what you want.
The old you?
She followed the rules, kept her head down, and played it safe. But the new you? She’s writing the rules, walking tall, and refusing to settle for anything less than extraordinary.
“The world doesn’t need more women who play by the rules. It needs more women like you—bold, brilliant, and unafraid to rewrite the script. So go ahead, babe. Live your life like the masterpiece it’s meant to be, and let them watch while you rise.”
Your Assignment, Babe:
It’s time to flip the script for real. I want you to grab a notebook or open that notes app, and write down the top three rules you’ve been living by that aren’t actually yours.
You know, the ones that have kept you stuck, second-guessing, or shrinking yourself. Then, one by one, I want you to rewrite those rules in a way that feels true to you. No more playing by their book—this is your personal revolution.
When you’re done? Post about it!
Tag me @poweredbyjess so I can cheer you on. And babe, if you’re ready to take this glow-up to the next level, follow me for more sass, empowerment, and unapologetic living tips. Trust me, we’re just getting started.
