Personal Rules for Life
Some rules help us do what we need to do even when we don't feel like doing what we need to do.
Whatever one might think of Jordan Peterson — and people have different opinions! — it is noteworthy that his 12 Rules for Life has sold more than five million copies.
On some level, we resent rules. Who are you to tell me what to do? On another level, we know that we need them.
A community that no longer respects or enforces the law experiences chaos. "Free spirits" may not feel so free when the credit card statement arrives or blood results come back.
People who have internalized personal rules can follow them even when they’re not feeling particularly motivated, but we need to have such rules before we’re in a difficult situation.
When part of my identity is that I am a carb snob, then it's easy to pass up the bread basket. If I don't have such a rule, I'm full of bread and high on glucose before my meal arrives.
Of course, it can be helpful to periodically review our personal rules and commitments and see whether we need to make any adjustments. The rules that served us well in one season of our lives may not be the ones that promote our flourishing in another period.
But just as we should not change a decision that we made during a time of consolation while we are currently experiencing desolation, personal rules for life should not be changed when we are hungry or angry or hangry.
What are your personal rules for life? I'd love to hear from you.