Rules exist to guide and provide clarity for engagement. Unfortunately, we tend to think of them as those that apply to society, organizations, and games where multiple people interact. While those do exist and have value, the rules we apply to ourselves are important too.
The ultimate assessment of ourselves is that which we level at ourselves, and we are in the best position to evaluate how we perform against the values and standards we create for ourselves.
A few simple rules go a long way to guide our actions and create boundaries to help us operate. The intent is not to stifle or limit but instead enable and remind us of our duty and commitment to ourselves.
Like any set of rules, simple is vital. But, if we establish them to guide our actions, our thoughts, and our words, we may notice that our efforts are more deliberate and productive, our thoughts more stable and content, and our words tempered and considerate, and ourselves more balanced.
The rules are yours alone, and you may even choose to break them occasionally, but at least you will appreciate the choices you make and the consequences you create. After all, there is no one we should treat with more respect and kindness than ourselves, and a few simple rules may help remind us.
