Rules, Rules, Rules.... No

Ever felt a spark of rebellion when you see a “No Entry” sign or read terms and conditions? You’re not alone. This episode explores how rules can make us feel safe one moment and cornered the next.

We look at how rules appear in everyday life and why many adults with dyslexia or ADHD have mixed feelings about them. You’ll discover ways to embrace what keeps you on track without letting restrictions stifle your creativity.

Why Do We Want Rules Yet Push Them Away?

Rules can bring comfort when we need clarity. They act as guardrails that keep us from drifting off course at work, in social situations or in our own routines.

Yet we may feel trapped if rules destroy our spontaneity. This push-and-pull can become overwhelming for neurodiverse folks who crave open space to dream but also benefit from structure that prevents confusion.

My Late-Night Realisation

Last night I ran into a small directive that sparked an internal debate. It was something simple, like a door sign telling me to enter one way. My first thought was, “Is this sign serious? Should I even bother?”

“I felt that rebellious spark the moment I saw the sign, and all I could think was, ‘Why not?’”

That split second made me examine my behaviour around rules. Was it a vital safety measure? Or was my dyslexic mind deciding a sign was optional? It nudged me to question how I respond to instructions.

Where Does the Resistance Come From?

For many of us with dyslexia or ADHD, rules can stir old memories of being ‘corrected’ in school. We might push back because they bring up times we felt behind or misunderstood.

On the other hand, we might cling to certain guidelines so life doesn’t spin into chaos. This clash carries over into adulthood: we want freedom, but we also rely on structure to keep our days functional.

Making Rules Work For You

After reflecting on it, I’ve realised there’s a middle ground. Rules don’t have to boss us around. They can support our growth if we decide how they fit our lives rather than simply obeying them.

• Choose which rules protect your wellbeing and let go of those that don’t.
• Question any rule that triggers anger. Is it essential or random?
• Build small routines but leave room for spontaneous choices.
• Focus on the outcome you want, not the rule itself.

There’s power in knowing how you feel about a rule instead of blindly accepting or fighting it. Whether it’s a deadline at work, family customs or your own self-imposed guidelines, it helps to ask how each rule influences your day.

Final Thoughts

• Rules can provide clarity or trigger frustration.
• Past experiences shape how we react to them.
• Finding balance means letting rules guide us without suffocating us.
• Being aware of your needs helps you choose which rules help and which to ignore.

If you’re keen to hear more, listen to the full episode at the top of this page. You’ll get the complete story and plenty of insights on dancing with (or walking away from) rules in a way that feels right for you.