"There is no norm that, when violated, does not become the norm of another."

This quote is basically saying that whenever a rule or standard is broken, that act of breaking it can become a new standard in itself. It's kind of a cycle—what was once considered rebellious or unconventional can eventually become accepted and even expected.

Historically, this could be seen in various cultural shifts. Think about the 1960s. It was a time of massive changes in social norms, whether it was in fashion, music, or attitudes towards authority. What was once seen as shocking—like men with long hair or women wearing miniskirts—became mainstream. The very things that were considered rebellious ended up setting new standards.

Now, let's bring this concept into a real-life scenario. Imagine a corporate office where everyone is expected to wear formal business attire. One day, a new employee starts wearing more casual clothes. At first, it might raise eyebrows, but over time, if others start following suit, the dress code might just relax. Eventually, casual Fridays turn into casual every day. The broken "norm" of formal wear becomes the new norm of casual attire.

This idea can be super helpful in making changes in your own life or work. If there's a rule or habit that's holding you back, think about what might happen if you challenge it. You could end up setting a new standard for yourself or even for those around you. It's a kind of liberation, knowing that the norms aren't set in stone.

For instance, let's say you work in an industry where long hours are the norm. Everyone's burning the midnight oil, and it's just expected. But you decide you need a better work-life balance. You start leaving the office at 5 PM sharp. At first, people might give you weird looks or even snide comments. But over time, they might start seeing the benefits—you're more productive, less stressed, and generally happier. Before you know it, others might start following your lead. The old norm of long hours gets replaced with a new norm of balanced work-life.

Let me tell you a story to bring this home. Picture Sarah, a high school teacher. She notices that her students are always exhausted, struggling to complete loads of homework every night. The norm is that more homework equals better education. Sarah decides to buck this trend. She starts assigning less homework, focusing on quality rather than quantity. Initially, her colleagues think she's crazy. But then, her students start performing better in class, they're more engaged, and their test scores improve. Over time, other teachers see the results and begin to adjust their homework policies. Sarah's violation of the old norm creates a new one, one that benefits everyone involved.

So, next time you find yourself stuck in a rigid rule or standard, think about the potential for change. Your small act of defiance could set a new norm—one that's better suited to your needs and aspirations. And who knows? You might just inspire others to follow suit.