If you’re a high-achieving woman—strong-willed, sharp, and fiercely driven—you’ve likely figured out how to “do things right.” You learn the rules fast. And then? You either follow them perfectly… or you learn to bend them in your favor. 

Both paths can work. But they lead to very different outcomes. 

Let’s talk about what it means to be a Stickler—and how to make this archetype your superpower, not your stumbling block. 

The Comfort of Rules 

When we’re first learning something new—whether it’s training, business, or healing—rules feel like a gift. They create structure, clarity, and a sense of safety. Especially for women who thrive on excellence, rules can feel like a roadmap to success. 

But here’s the problem: high-achieving women often get so good at following rules, they stop questioning them. They forget to lead themselves. Instead of listening to their body, their intuition, or their actual lived experience, they cling to the rulebook. 

And that’s when the cracks start to show. 

The Loyal Rule Follower 

Take my client – we’ll call her Sarah. A textbook Stickler. Disciplined, focused, consistent—she did everything “right.” She followed the protocol I gave her perfectly, and in the beginning, she saw incredible progress. 

But when her life shifted and stress crept in, her body started changing. She didn’t tell me. She just kept following the same rules that had worked before… even though they were no longer serving her. 

When her results started stalling, she blamed herself. Thought she was slacking or not doing enough. But in truth? She was being too rigid. The growth wasn’t in doing more. It was in learning to adapt. 

Sarah didn’t need more discipline—she needed permission to adjust. To listen to her body. To use the rules as a guide, not gospel. 

The Strategic Rule-Wielder 

Now let me tell you about Tara. She’s also a high-achiever and a Stickler at heart. 

But Tara had a different approach. She learned the rules—but she didn’t let them box her in. She let me know what worked, what didn’t, and where she needed flexibility. She still honored the structure of the program, but she adjusted it to fit her body, her energy, and her life. 

Tara’s results? Just as strong. But she got there with less anxiety, less burnout, and more trust in herself. She didn’t blindly follow—she led herself through the process. 

That’s the evolution of the Stickler: from rule-follower to strategic leader. 

The Truth About the Stickler Archetype 

If you’ve taken the Gutsy Chick Quiz and landed in the Stickler category, here’s what you need to know: 

You’re loyal, consistent, organized, and thoughtful. You keep your promises. People trust you because you deliver. 

But your next level of growth comes when you learn to let go. When you stop following every rule to the letter and start leading with flexibility and wisdom. 

Rules are great. Until they become cages. 

My Own Rule-Breaking Moment 

I’ve been there too. I love structure. But I also love experimenting. 

When I’m prepping for a powerlifting meet, I let my coach set the plan. But when my cycle hits or my lifts feel off, I don’t just power through. I talk to my coach. I pivot. I lead myself. 

Because following a plan that ignores your body doesn’t make you tough—it makes you tired. Listening to your body and leading from there? That’s power. 

Your Challenge This Week 

If you’ve been living inside a checklist, I have a challenge for you. 

1. Name one rule you’ve been following without question—maybe in training, nutrition, work, or rest. 

1. Ask yourself: Does this still serve me? 

1. Rewrite the rule. Break it—on purpose. Just once. See how it feels. 

Maybe your new rule becomes: 
💬 “I follow the plan—but adjust when my body gives clear feedback.” 
💬 “I respect the rules—but I trust my gut above all.” 

Because you weren’t born to be a perfect follower. You were born to lead. 

Knowing the rules is a strength. Knowing when to bend them? That’s how you own the game.