Break Boundaries And Burst Competition

Written by Fred Farai Nyakudanga

Life is situational and each situation requires different approaches. A life teaching example is that of snakes, each time it swallows a big catch it outgrows its skin. For it to survive it goes through ecdysis. Rules, when they are set, are meant to combat a situation, so rules can’t be there forever. Breaking rules will set out new boundaries.

Competition

Competition is very good at assessing situations; it understands limitations. If they are working in its advantage to hinder competitors, it advocates for the stay of those non-beneficial standards. Sometimes it motivates competitors so that they conform and fail.

Discipline

To become disciplined usually means following set standards. To maintain order and ensure safety. For instance:

 Traffic laws and regulations help prevent chaos and accidents on the road.

 Workplace policies and procedures promote productivity, respect, and fairness.

 Social norms and etiquette facilitate harmonious interactions and relationships.

In these contexts, boundaries are designed to protect and benefit individuals and society as a whole.

Boundaries: Bottlenecking and Limitation

On the other hand, boundaries can be used to bottleneck and limit individuals, groups, or ideas. This is often the case when those in power seek to maintain their position and suppress potential threats:

 Authoritarian regimes may impose strict censorship and surveillance to stifle dissent and opposition.

 Corporate monopolies might use patents, licensing agreements, and other legal barriers to prevent competitors from entering the market.

 Social and cultural norms can be used to marginalize and exclude certain groups, limiting their opportunities and voices.

In these situations, boundaries are employed to maintain power, control, and dominance.

Pushing Boundaries

When you or your group push boundaries, you will be challenging the status quo, seeking to create positive change, or fighting against oppressive systems:

 Civil rights movements have pushed boundaries to achieve social justice and equality.

 Innovators and entrepreneurs have pushed boundaries to develop new technologies and business models.

 Artists and activists have pushed boundaries to challenge societal norms and spark critical conversations.

By pushing boundaries, you or your group can create new opportunities, challenge unjust systems, and drive progress.

Conclusion

Boundaries can serve multiple purposes, and their intentions can be complex and multifaceted. While some boundaries are designed to instill discipline and maintain order, others are used to bottleneck and limit individuals, groups, or ideas. By understanding the context and motivations behind boundaries, we can better navigate and challenge them to create positive change and drive progress.

Comments

In loving memory of Mrs. Josephine Machuma (Nee Matongo)

Written by Fred Farai Nyakudanga Mrs. Machuma played a pivotal role in shaping my Christian values and that of many during her time as a Sunday School teacher at St. Stephen United Methodist Church in the early 80s. Her catechism teachings strengthened my faith in the birth and death of Jesus Christ, and her picturesque illustrations of God’s omnipotence and omniscience remain vivid in my mind. As a dedicated teacher with stints at Zengeza 5 and 8 Primary Schools, Mrs. Machuma was known for her blunt yet nurturing approach. She would candidly address shortcomings, and her passion for education was evident. Many students, including myself, benefited from her guidance, and I’m sure many share my sentiments about her calling to educate. Together with her husband, Mr. Shepherd Machuma, the family embodied the good teachings of John Wesley. Their union, bound by vows of love and commitment, was a testament to the power of marriage. Even in separation, their love remains unwaver...

Greener Pastures Do Not Secure A Fat Cow

Written by Fred Farai Nyakudanga Just like cows seeking greener pastures, humans are drawn to opportunities that promise better living standards. However, I pose a critical question: do greener pastures truly guarantee prosperity if the underlying conditions are flawed? Perhaps the lack of progress is not due to the absence of opportunities, but rather the result of haphazard approaches, poor planning, and neglected resources. In the pursuit of a better life, many Africans seek opportunities in diaspora, enticed by promises of higher salaries and improved living standards. Yet, I firmly believe that true fulfillment and lasting impact can only be achieved by addressing the underlying conditions that hinder our progress in our own autonomous land – a land where we have territorial integrity. These underlying conditions include : 1. Absent value creation mechanisms : Failing to harness value from our resources and talents, instead relying on others for validation. 2. Disunity : Lac...

United Methodist Church: A Path of Continuous Improvement

Written by Fred Farai Nyakudanga As a product of the United Methodist Church, I've come to realize the immense value of the administrative, business and leadership skills that the church imparts. Initially, I didn't appreciate these aspects, but after exploring other denominations, I returned to the United Methodist Church, recognizing its exceptional leadership development opportunities. The church's reporting system has had a profound impact on my self-development, and the process of worship, family ministering, and starting new churches has equipped me with replicable skills that I've applied to my daily life. Through the United Methodist Church, I've developed strong decision-making skills, strategic thinking, and effective communication. These skills have, in turn, fostered my commitment to transparency and social justice, which are now core values that I uphold in all my endeavors. I've come to expect accountability and fairness in any group or associa...

Finto Marketing

Search This Blog