Do you like following directions?

[foliodoe]

I hate doing what I'm told. Even if what I'm being told to do is beneficial, I just hate it so much.
This attitude has caused loads of problems throughout my life. I think at some point I was getting frustrated by struggling with directions, so I just started figuring things out my own way. If it works for me, then it works.

I envy people who find it comforting or satisfying following instructions or satisfying demands. It just upsets me. What are your thoughts on the topic? Thanks!

 

[Misery]

Fastest way to get me to NOT do something is to demand that I do it.

As for instructions, well, it depends on what it is. Following a manual for some technical gizmo, sure, that's the way to do it. Other stuff, maybe not so much.

 

[VictorR]

I agree it really depends what it is.

If the manual explains what to do for a job, great - as that's helpful and saves me from having to awkwardly ask someone, especially if I don't have a mentor assigned as a go-to person.

On the other hand, while directions are helpful, I don't like following directions for the sake of it, especially if I find that they're flawed, and especially so if I have ethical concerns, in which case I may refuse to comply and request clarification on why I'm being directed to take an action that is illegal or otherwise concerning.

 

[Stuttermabolur]

I love them. They need to be consistent, but I absolutely will follow them if I am capable of it. I still tend to wait at red lights as a pedestrian when there are no cars around, frequently being the only person in a group to stand on one side of a street while the rest walk across.

I really like getting told what to do by others as it reduces uncertainty and gives me a simple way to please people. If I don't get instructions I tend to have little motivation for anything since I am very, very lazy without an incentive.

I've said before that I'm more annoyed by inconsistent rules than unfair ones, and I very much have a "technically correct" mindset. I have no doubt I would drive people to despair if I worked as a bureaucratic cog or in a service level position since I wouldn't feel comfortable breaking rules, even if it's for a good reason. That doesn't mean I wouldn't support a rule change though.

 

[Wolfnox]

If it's clear directions. Not go get the pink tub in corner kind. No further instructions after.

 

[Ronald Zeeman]

What do you mean by directions, instructions or where to go. like in travelling somewhere, you need to be more specific.

 

[Outdated]

With directions from humans it depends purely on my judgement of their character and their motives. If they're being helpful I appreciate it, if I think they're just flattering their own ego I let them know this.

Interesting side note - I noticed when I was teaching myself programming that humans are very good at following extremely complex instructions but we always trip over with the simple ones.

 

[MildredHubble]

For me, it all depends on the motivation of the person giving me the directions.

If it feels like a collaboration, they are just giving me advice on how to proceed then that is fine, enjoyable even.

If someone is instructing me to do something I know won't be good for me and won't listen and treats me like I'm being uncooperative, then I will not welcome their directions/instructions at all.

An example would be when I've been condescendingly lectured on "sleep hygiene" (the very phrase I'm sure makes George Orwell spin in his grave!). I try to explain that I have to have coherent sound in the background when I sleep. For example a familiar documentary on the TV that I can half pay attention to while I fall asleep.

I get "directed" to do things that simply don't work for me and treated like I'm being awkward when I explain it won't work for me.

If someone gives me directions because they are a power crazed, egotistical maniac, who just wants to boss me around. Then no, I don't like that at all and it will make me feel defensive.

 

[Atrapa Almas]

Such an interesting topic.

I find nice to be given instructions, they are informative and a good plan A or B. For simple or burocratic tasks they are really helpfull (like you must fill your name here and sign there).

For more complex tasks I take the info given and then decide what to do based on all the info/knowledge/resources at my disposition. That may be following the instruction given, doing the contrary or whatever other thing.

To me, following blindly the instruction or doing blindly the contrary would be similar ways of letting others decide what I do.

I appreciate your answers, they are interesting. Never thougth about this matter.

 

[dragonfire42]

My favorite thing is to have very clear instructions with everything written out, so I know exactly what I’m supposed to do, especially if anyone else will be affected by my success or failure at the task. I do put logic into the equation, but I’m very lacking in self-confidence and often don’t make the expected inferences. My default is that if there isn’t any reason not to do as instructed or to comply, I will.

 

[Ronald Zeeman]

When I worked, I constantly tried different ways to get to work or get home not always the same route, I cannot follow my own direction let alone someone else's. ITS hard to get me lost as I us mind's eye maps.

 

[Au Naturel]

Do your read instruction manuals for complicated devices? How is that different?

Are you conflating instructions with demands?

I don't mind instructions. Even when I don't need them, I smile and nod and evaluate the instructions and then go on and do the job. My ego is not wrapped up in it. There's also greater security involved. If everything goes to heck in a handbasket but I still followed instructions, not my problem. He's the one who told me to do it that way.

I don't need to do it my way.

If I evaluate the instructions as ineffective, inefficient, immoral, or endangering, I will point that out, and we'll go from there. The straw boss will win if he still insists on doing it ineffectively or inefficiently, but I'll go over his head or even walk away from the job over the other two.

Never had to walk away. Ever.

Your problem may be that you take instructions as violations of your personal agency.

 

[SusanLR]

If it is something I want to figure out on my own, I prefer to do it without directions
when possible.
And I don't like asking for help unless I really need to.

Some things need clear instructions.
A lot of the time I find the instructions are not clear enough.
Manuals or instruction sheets on how to put something together for example.
More than just a drawing of the different sizes of screws and how many for example.
I always hate diy items that you have to put together yourself.

If you are referring to having demands made of you, I can see why.
I don't like that either.

 

[Luca]

If someone rudely demands that I do something, my reaction is likely to be something along the lines of “Why don’t you do it yourself?”

I like following instructions that were given to me for specific reasons, like if I’m taking a class, etc because I see it as a challenge and want to do it really well.

 

[Thinx]

I do get irritated by what I consider unnecessary directions, usually from work colleagues or my nearest and dearest... I am a slow processor, so probably seem dithering to a faster thinker. However I do process more variables during my time of apparent indecision, this may lead to good results.


I'm definitely one to say, I can do it, just let me do it my own way! This may or may not turn out to be true. I try to say, I will ask if I need help, thanks.

 

[AprilR]

I like instructions as long as they are clear and not vague. I don't understand hidden meanings, roundabout ways to talk or thinking i must already know such and such so it's okay to omit some information that's necessary to do the task even tho it's an Unwritten rule that is not teached anywhere.

 

[Raggamuffin]

It depends. I need direction in some areas, otherwise I get very little done.

At the same time, sometimes being told what to do creates a surge of resentment and anger in me.

With video games - I often prefer big open world games, and I tend to actively avoid quests, as I don't like being given freedom and then being told what to do.

Case an point - Fallout 4, over 3k hours in game and completed the main storyline twice.

Ed

 

[Mr. Stevens]

I like clear, direct instructions. If something is written and not presented that clearly, I can get overwhelmed. Then I try doing things on my own, though that's not always wise.

If I get bothered by being given instructions, it's not really the instructions that bother me. It's going to be the attitude of the person--someone assuming I'm helpless or don't know as much as them. Though, often they're just trying to play it safe, and it's nothing personal.

 

[Progster]

I appreciate clear instructions, but don't like people bossing me around. I'm not keen on authority figures for various reasons; I have a tendency to resist or authority.

 

[Storm Hess]

Instructions I'm good with, because I know it's something I'm interested in understanding...but being told what to do, absolutely hate it. I don't like being bossed around. That's grounds for setting someone's underwear drawer on fire. (Please don't do that...was using exaggeration for comedic affect).

I have a clear mandate - leave me alone...I do what I want.