Before you can break the rules, you need to know what they are.
SHAKING THE TREE #95
There's a certain rebellious thrill to breaking the rules.
It conjures images of artistic geniuses defying convention or revolutionaries changing the world.
But here's the secret most successful rule breakers won't tell you: knowing the rules is the first step to breaking them effectively.
Think of it like music.
A beginner guitarist might strum random chords, but it takes understanding scales and music theory to truly bend the notes and create something unexpected yet beautiful.
The same goes for writing – a strong foundation in grammar allows you to play with sentence structure and voice in innovative ways.
This isn't about blind adherence to dusty regulations.
It's about understanding the framework within which you operate.
Knowing the rules allows you to identify the loopholes, the places where a twist or a subversion can have maximum impact.
Consider fashion.
Coco Chanel, the queen of reinvention, didn't just throw random scraps together.
She understood the history of tailoring and the drape of fabrics. She knew this before she set about deconstructing those elements to create her signature, comfortable elegance.
Some might argue that true creativity thrives on a blank slate.
But even the most radical ideas emerge from a foundation of knowledge.
Picasso, famous for his abstract works, spent years mastering traditional techniques before deconstructing them.
The more you understand the rules, the better equipped you’ll be to bend them into new shapes.
So, the next time you feel the urge to be a rule breaker, don't shy away from the textbook, the grammar guide, or the training manual. Embrace them as companions on your journey.
Understanding the rules empowers you to break them with purpose—to create something truly revolutionary—something that wouldn't exist without that crucial first step: knowing the game.
As always, thanks for reading.
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P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … Why Testimonials Amplify Your Content's Impact