play by (one's) own rules
To adhere to or follow only the guidelines or conditions set by oneself, rather than those imposed by someone else. I hated the oppressive corporate environment, so I started my own firm so I could play by my own rules. If you want to write for this paper, kid, you work for me, so you can't just play by your own rules!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.