Chapter 1: The Illusion of Rules

Many people believe that adhering to societal rules is the path to a fulfilling life. However, I learned from my grandmother, who always described me as a well-behaved child, that such conformity can stifle true happiness.

As a child, I dutifully accompanied her to church every Sunday, but by the age of 12, I began to rebel against the limitations imposed by such rituals. My awakening didn’t involve traditional worship; it was a personal journey away from the confines of rules that felt outdated.

My grandmother, in her 104 years, never ventured beyond her hometown of Melbourne. She believed life was perilous and avoided the unknown, fearing airplane travel and unhealthy food. But does such an existence truly constitute a "good life"? I think not. It merely represents a static state of being.

Rules exist to maintain the status quo, a notion that many refuse to confront. Gatekeepers of these rules cling to their power and profits, resisting change that could disrupt their comfort. Innovation thrives when individuals challenge conventional wisdom—Uber revolutionized transportation, cryptocurrency transformed finance, and the metaverse blurred the lines between reality and digital experiences.

Innovation arises from those bold enough to rewrite the rules. While many remain trapped by outdated conventions, they often find themselves dissatisfied, allowing the system to benefit at their expense.

This phenomenon is disheartening; rules often act as barriers, preventing those around us from witnessing our growth. Others impose their limitations on us to preserve their worldview, feeling threatened when we dare to break free.

Rules should be viewed as flexible guidelines rather than unyielding barriers.

Section 1.1: The Constraints of Corporate Life

I began my career in IT, where I was underpaid and offered no benefits. I was required to submit timesheets, indicating a lack of trust from management. Each year, inflation eroded my earnings, and efforts to secure a raise felt futile.

To improve my financial situation, I turned to various side hustles—coaching, writing, and teaching. Then it dawned on me: if I concentrated on my endeavors, I could effectively increase my income.

Breaking the conventional rule of loyalty to one employer while pursuing my side projects led me to multiple income streams.

Subsection 1.1.1: Rethinking Investment Strategies

I used to follow traditional investment advice, diligently saving money and feeling secure. However, the 2008 recession shattered that illusion. My faith in Wall Street waned as I witnessed the fallout.

In 2013, I discovered Bitcoin and Ethereum, which prompted me to challenge traditional financial norms. Despite criticism, I seized the opportunity for change. The pandemic further illustrated the inadequacies of conventional finance, as inflation surged and many suffered losses while I thrived by investing in tech stocks.

Chapter 2: Redefining Love and Relationships

In matters of love, rigid rules have historically governed relationships. My grandmother believed in a narrow definition of love, but societal changes have shattered those limitations.

I ventured into the world of dating apps, disregarding the whispers of colleagues who scrutinized my choices. I faced rejection, but I learned that attraction transcends physical appearances.

I witnessed a colleague defy dating norms, finding success despite societal expectations. Inspired, I embraced my own uniqueness and found love beyond my perceived limitations.