The Tension of Limits

The speed limit is 45. Go slow enough and people see us as uncertain, confused and self centered...perhaps even worse. Exceed the limit enough and people see us arrogant, uncaring, reckless and self centered. Safe is somewhere in between. 

Much of life is this way. Fitting in at the acceptable pace gets us less attention, which is what most people hope for. 

On the road, driving within limits is the caring, responsible thing to do. But, in the context of our work, our creativity, our art and our leadership, limits are meant to be tested. In this sense, perhaps we should worry less about what the signs suggest and more about what we can do to change them.

What Are Speed Limits For?

Rules keep a certain sense of order. They allow us to go about our lives without concern whether someone else is on the exact same page as we are...about safety, education, health, morality and so on. They also create fairness, a level playing field for everyone to work and play within.

Of course, we could choose to impose the rules on ourselves without being told to do it, without imposed consequences. But, we wouldn't, at least not equally. All of us have different views on almost everything...part of the uniqueness of being human. Our culture, our experiences, our education have shaped us to think a certain way...no matter the provable truth.

The challenge isn't whether to obey the rules or fight them, but to help make them better...especially for someone else.

Lead change, what a wonderful choice we get to make. Choose wisely.