Rewriting the rulebook

Aren’t you tired of the unsolicited advice constantly thrown your way? I know I am.

Do this. Don’t do that.

Follow this. Avoid that.

“10 steps to get over this.”

“5 rules for the perfect life.”

The rule writers always think they’ve cracked the code. Except they haven’t really.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned this year is that rules made for “everyone” rarely work for anyone. So I started writing my own little playbook. A set of personal hacks and mini-rules that make sense for me.

As a creative person, inventing my own techniques feels natural. And honestly, it might work for you too, especially if you’re exhausted from playing by rules written by others.

Here are a few of mine. Small tricks that help me live a little better, a little freer, and become 1% better every day:

1) Wearing yoga pants to bed gives me that one little push required to hit the gym in the morning when I plan to. And yes, they are super comfortable. It’s almost like telling my body that she is completely ready and there’s no possible excuse she can give for missing workout today.

2) When I feel sluggish, I sit on the floor with my laptop for 30 minutes. The change of posture and angle tricks my brain into “new space, new energy.” Oddly effective.

3) Aesthetics matter to me. I use a 1 litre water bottle and carry it everywhere with me. The aim is usually to drink 3 of those per day so hydration stays on track and makes me feel fresh and energetic.

4) Following something called a ‘3 bullet diary’ has helped me journal more consistently. Instead of long journaling, I just jot three bullets: one win, one worry, one next step. Takes 2 minutes but clears out brain clutter like a digital detox for the mind.

5) I pick my battles. When I am caught between a rock and a hard place, almost paralysed the freedom I have for making a choice, I ask myself what is the cost of the risk I am taking? Is it worth it? If it is, I choose the hard path. But if I realise it’s taking away my internal peace, I choose harmony and let the risk go.