35 personal rules to help guide your life

Having a list of personal rules or principles can provide a helpful guide and reminder in life. It may help you stay on track, whatever else is going on, and bring greater organisation and intention to your days.

The ideas included in this list may make your heart sing, strengthen your confidence and help you become a more empowered, open and aware version of yourself.

They are not universal rules, however. Keep the ones that resonate, adapt those that don’t quite fit and add principles of your own.

Rules for yourself

1. Make your bed every day when you are at home.
2. Find your tribe and value them. True friends are a gift, but healthy relationships still need boundaries.
3. Travel lightly through each day.
4. Keep only what you need.
5. It’s OK to cry when you’re hurt. It’s also OK to feel angry, but try not to hold on to grudges. Give yourself time to process thoughts and feelings that no longer help you.
6. If you’re going to curse, be mindful of what you say, where you say it and who may hear you.
7. Seek out the people and places that resonate with your soul.
8. Just because you are able to do something, it doesn’t mean you should.
9. Do something you enjoy every day that is harmless and feeds your soul.
10. Remember that happiness is not a permanent state. A sense of wholeness may be more enduring.
11. If you’re staying for more than one night, unpack your bag.
12. Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid routes that appear or feel unsafe.
13. Be less sugar, more spice and as nice as you’re able to be without compromising yourself.
14. More may be possible than you first imagine. Get up and try, but remember that meaningful success can also take time.
15. Have heroes and role models. TED Talks and other platforms feature inspiring people sharing their ideas and experiences.
16. Smiling can be important, but don’t force it. Let your expression be genuine.
17. When a hug is wanted and welcome, hug authentically: full arms, full circle and with sincerity.
18. Never lie to yourself. Dishonesty with yourself can trip you up later.
19. Your body is yours. Treat it with care, respect and compassion.
20. If you have an opinion, be willing to explain the reasons behind it and remain open to new information.
21. Find your passions and use them.
22. Ask for what you want, and don’t be afraid to say no.
23. Make wishes in the moonlight, and then get to work on making them happen.
24. Fall in love often – with culture, ideas and experiences. Art, music and literature contain brilliance.
25. Fall deeply in love with yourself while allowing that relationship to keep growing.
26. Say please, thank you and pardon me whenever the situation warrants it.
27. Reserve ‘I’m sorry’ for when you truly mean it. Always apologise when you know you have done something wrong.
28. It’s OK to have a daytime nap if you need one. Rest and maintaining your energy are important parts of a good life.
29. Question things, and listen to your intuition – but remember that intuition can be influenced by fear, assumptions and past experiences too.
30. You have enough. You are enough.
31. You are amazing. Don’t allow somebody else to define your worth. If someone repeatedly undermines you, consider setting boundaries, creating distance where it is safe to do so and seeking support.
32. Wherever you are, try to create or find a space where you feel able to rest and simply be.
33. Look for moments of happiness, say your prayers if this is meaningful to you, and remember the people who have influenced, nurtured and cared for you.
34. Say what you mean and mean what you say, while choosing your words with care.
35. Treat all creatures with kindness and respect.

As you read the list, notice which principles resonated with you or offered a new insight. Which would you like to adopt, adapt or add to?

Now is the time for action!