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.
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