PROGRAMMING YOURSELF WITH RULES
“i have a rule. that's all it takes.”
The Lesson
Wanting a habit isn't enough. But there's a trick: tell yourself you have a rule. Example: prescription sunglasses can only be in one of three places. Every time you put them down, say 'I have a rule' and follow it. Why does this work? We are rules-based people. We follow so many rules that when we see a rule, it's habit to follow it. Doesn't matter who made it. Since that habit is already ingrained, extend it to yourself. 'I have a rule: I never separate my AirPods from their case.' These little rules make life much easier.
Real-World Example
A founder keeps forgetting to send the weekly investor update. Wanting to remember doesn't work. Instead: 'I have a rule: Sunday evening at 7pm, I write the update before doing anything else.' Say the rule out loud every Sunday. Your brain's rule-following instinct kicks in. Within weeks, it's automatic. The rule does the work that willpower couldn't.
Watch Scott explain this lesson
Watch Lesson on Locals →