Some time ago, I posted an article about creating a Personal User Manual (article) for distribution to key people in your life. I also wrote one on the rules of friendship (article). This article focuses on identifying the rules you have for yourself—your personal rules.
Establishing these personal rules as a navigator and a way to generate commitment seems appropriate. Choosing rules within categories might be the easiest and most efficient approach. Here are ideas for personal rules in 12 key categories.
Personal rules
Principles
- Keep integrity (article)
- Take a stand on values
- Stay humble
Courage
- Do what you fear
- Do it despite your fear
- Focus on courage rewards (article)
Attitude
- Practice gratitude
- Practice mindfulness
- Maintain optimism (article)
Goals
- Establish goals in all key areas
- Visualize attaining goals frequently
- Never give up (article)
Education
- Maintain lifetime learning (article)
- Take at least one course or seminar yearly
- Read daily
Relationship
- Boundaries are non-negotiable
- Honesty is an absolute requirement
- Listen (article) carefully and expect the same
Social
- Choose your people (article)
- Live your truth without exception
- Treat everyone with respect
Diet
- Maintain a plant-based diet (article)
- Avoid highly processed foods
- Avoid high sodium and high sugar foods
Fitness
- Do aerobic exercise every day (article)
- Do resistance exercises every other day
- Do abdominal exercises every alternate day
Money
- Focus on abundance, not lack
- Manage money with knowledge
- Do not fully entrust your money to others
Contribution
- Give to a sociopolitical cause
- Share your knowledge
- Volunteer your time
Recreation
- Schedule fun time
- Do your favorite sport regularly
- Choose meaningful vacations (article)
Establish your personal rules to see what it does for you.