An issue exists addressing an individual’s adherence to rules. The Rules I speak of are not only external rules, such as governmental and institutional, but of personal constructs. The significance of “Rule Adherence” lies in addressing and configuring one’s (or a group’s) credibility, character and most importantly one’s effectiveness and efficiency in their undertakings.

When one fails to apply “Rule Adherence,” they violate at least one of the six organizing principles. In this case, the violation is Laws. Following laws, or rules, is not new or strange to us. Rules on traffic, voting, legal proceedings, and more, are pretty much standard to the general public. We have issues when it comes to personal value—our opinions. The issue is when those opinions are held as Rules.

A classic example of this is the term is Cafeteria Catholics. This refers to Catholics who chose the rules of the church they wish to follow, not the totality of those set forth by the Vatican. This or similar situations enable the individual to maintain a certain identity (being a catholic) while at the same time achieving the freedom to act as they please. This is a misnomer of credibility and actually impinges upon one’s character. Rules or Laws typically don’t have freedoms attached. Therefore, the rules are violated and the reasons or meaning of the classification (being a Catholic) are likewise impaired and lessened. This then becomes an issue of self-deception—one of the four major Restrictors that keep people from achieving in their lives.

Another example of “Rule Adherence” violation is the notion of “Everyone is entitled to an opinion and I have mine.” While an opinion falls into the category of Laws, by its nature, it is not a valid law. That is, it may be your “Law”, but it is not a universal application—not even a general one! The problem here is that people use this process to serve their own agenda. This typically happens due to any or all of the Great Restrictors at work, namely fear, ego, ignorance, and self-deception. In many cases this thinking is reflective of ingrained, unverified beliefs, old wives’ tales or self-serving motives.

Another example of “Rule Adherence” violation is the notion of fact vs opinion. Ever hear the expression, “My mind is already made up, don’t confuse me with the facts.” Those people in those situations use a subjective belief that serves the individuals for several fallacious reasons. For instance, one’s ignorance of a situation; or ego protection such as “I’m right, you’re wrong,” it’s in one’s personal interest to maintain this opinion because opposition is a threat to them.

Violating rules causes disorder and poor organizational integrity. It fails to complete the whole picture thereby severely weakening one’s intelligence and potential to achieve at higher levels.