January 15, 2024

Questioning the Unseen Rules that Shape Our Lives

by Mary Lou Kayser in Personal Growth, Writing0 Comments

In the intricate dance of life, we often find ourselves following a set of rules that have been ingrained in us since childhood—guidelines that dictate our choices, behavior, and experiences. These rules, at times invisible, shape the path we tread.

It is an essential part of our journey to become aware of these rules and, more importantly, to disentangle ourselves from those that do not serve our authentic selves.

For me, the spirit of rule-breaking and contrarian thinking has been a constant companion throughout my life—a meaningful legacy passed down from my father. He was a seeker, always questioning the status quo until his last breath. 

Inspired by his example, I've come to realize the profound impact of examining the rules that govern various aspects of our lives.

What Would Change If You Changed the Rules?

Consider the pivotal elements of life—your primary relationships, or perhaps the absence thereof; the nuances of raising children; the food you consume; the clothes you wear; the neighborhood you inhabit; the car you drive; and even the financial goals you set for yourself. Each of these aspects is guided by a set of rules, some of which may not align with your true self.

Have you ever taken the time to stand back from the way your life is right now and ask yourself what rules you follow?

What about asking, what would change if you changed the rules?

Since the advent of social media, one "rule" about how to do social media "right" is to give away everything for free in exchange for a mere handful of likes.

I find myself questioning this rule.

Each one of us joins the social media sphere for unique reasons. Personally, I am committed to showcasing the value of creating a meaningful legacy by living an authentic life—of playing your position in this grand theater of existence. I choose to share aspects of this journey on social media without getting worked up about the results my posts garner.

In fact, how many likes my posts receive has no bearing on the way I think about myself or my work. I believe in leading by example, demonstrating what unfolds when we dare to be vulnerable and share our personal journeys. If likes come from doing that, great. If the result of sharing is crickets, great.

I'm in this for much bigger reasons than post metrics.

Building a Meaningful Legacy

Legacy, a topic close to my heart, deserves a special mention. Traditionally, the rules surrounding legacy, especially in the United States, revolve around accumulating a certain amount of wealth for the post-retirement years. However, the landscape is evolving.

Thanks to technology, the concept of work has transformed, allowing individuals not only to continue working but also to create deeply satisfying, personal, and rewarding ways of contributing to the world.

In response to these shifts, I have created a program set to launch in late February that explores what a meaningful legacy can be. This program is dedicated to helping individuals build a legacy that truly matters to them. It challenges the conventional rules that dictate how we should approach life after traditional work ends.

Whether you desire to continue working well into your later years or simultaneously build a meaningful legacy, this program encourages a paradigm shift in our thinking. It offers deep insights into what your unique gifts can mean to a future that needs you.

This program is more than just a series of sessions; it's a supportive guide for each person's unique journey. If the prospect of exploring your authentic self and building a meaningful legacy resonates with you, I invite you to consider joining me. You can learn more about it here. 

In the tapestry of life, why not break free from the unseen rules that bind us and embrace the authenticity that awaits? After all -- life is way too short to be bound by conventional thinking and “the way it’s always been.” That includes the way we think about what building our legacy means.

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About

Mary Lou Kayser

Mary Lou Kayser is a bestselling author, poet, and host of the Play Your Position podcast. Over the course of her unique career, she has influenced thousands of people to become more powerful as leaders, writers, and thinkers in their respective professional practices. She writes, teaches, and speaks about universal insights, ideas, and observations that empower audiences worldwide how to bet on themselves.

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