Creating Your Own Rules for Life

At some point in your adulthood, you’ll either consciously make your own rules for life, or realize that you’ve unconsciously made them, or, someone has made them for you. In my opinion, claiming ownership of your life is an essential part to feeling both happy and comfortable in your life. One way to do that is to make your own rules for living well. Here are some steps you could take to begin to do this intentionally.

Reflection: what “rules” or expectations have you been holding onto that have been hurting you, or you’ve found don’t actually really mean anything to you?

Inventory: take stock of various areas of your life: family, friendships & relationships, money & finances, health & fitness, creativity, career, etc. Dig into what you find most important in each area. Which relationships matter the most? Do you feel like you need to use social media? Does having a high-paying job really matter to you or would you prefer less money and more freedom? How can you spend time with family in a way that’s most meaningful to you?

Reconstruction: what do you want your life to feel like? What frameworks do you need to set up in your life to make it feel that way, even if it’s only in some areas? For example, do you need to leave or mute a group chat that stresses you out? Would you like to work out through taking long walks instead of going to the gym?

Reflection: how does your “new” life feel? Now that you’ve tried something new, or removed something old, do you like it? Do the changes make your life better, or more yours?

I think the bottom line here is to think about your life. Let go of some things that have no place in your life. Embrace new things that you’re interested in that nobody else in your life has tried. Define yourself. Be the most you.