Set rules instead of goals to get things done

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Our good old friend Leo Babauta shares his new idea: to achieve what you want, do not set goals, set rules.

Goals are too cruel for us. Unfortunately, we are so structured that we rarely achieve our goals. Usually the picture is the same and very sad: we start moving with enthusiasm, but after a week we are disappointed, not seeing any clear progress, and abandon the undertaking.

I suggest you set rules - actions that describe exactly when you should take them. They will gradually lead you to your goal. Here are some examples of rules for different purposes:

1. Purpose: to write a book. Rule of thumb: When I turn on my computer, I close my browser and all other programs except the text editor and write for 20 minutes.

2. Objective: to learn Spanish. Rule of thumb: when I drive to and from work, I listen to audio Spanish lessons.

3. Purpose: to read more. Rule: At 9:30 pm, I turn off my computer and read before bed.

4. Goal: Run a marathon. Rule of thumb: When the alarm rings at 6 a.m., I go out for a run. Or stretching if it's a day off.

5. Purpose: to lose weight. Rules:

• I only eat oatmeal with cinnamon and berries for breakfast.
• For lunch I eat black beans, brown rice, vegetables, salsa and guacamole.
• If I'm hungry, I can eat an apple, carrot, or nuts.
• I only drink tea or water. An exception is a cup of coffee in the morning.

6. Goal: to achieve greater awareness. Rule: every day I get up, go to the toilet, then drink a glass of water and meditate for 5 minutes.

None of these rules can definitely lead you to your goal, but each of them will bring you closer to it.

How to follow the rules

The rules are great in theory, but very hard to enforce in practice. Here are some tips for learning how to follow the rules.

1. Start introducing the rules gradually. Do one first for a week or two, then add a second, and then another, but not too much at the same time. For myself, I found that I can follow a maximum of five rules.

2. The rules should not take a lot of time: 5–20 minutes for a difficult task, up to 30 minutes for a simple one. Don't expect perfection: it's okay if it turns out badly, but strive to do better.

3. If you're still struggling to follow the rule, you may need to keep track of your progress or change the environment to make it easier.

4. Don't start with dietary rules. This is the hardest part because we cannot control emotional overeating or other reasons our brain makes us feel hungry. Set food rules one at a time and change the environment so as not to tempt yourself with prohibited foods: do not keep them at home and it is better not to go where you might be tempted by them.

5. It's good to start with rules that lead to conscious behavior because they set you up to accept other rules more easily.

6. Set reminders on your phone, computer, or post sticky notes where you need to remember the rules.

The rules need to be constantly adjusted and changed to find out what works for you and what doesn't. At first, you will definitely forget to follow them, reminders will come in handy here. You will understand that in order to fulfill some of the rules, you need to change the environment. This is an incredible learning process that will help you understand how to proceed.

Rules are small steps that lead to big changes over time. And you can actually do these steps. What rule will you come up with for yourself today?