Rules for the Journey
Instead of new year’s resolutions, identify the personal “rules” that you want to live by.
A few years ago, inspired by Gretchen Rubin and by my decision to spend a year living a different city each month, I wrote myself a list of “Rules for the Journey” — guiding principles and encouragements, of sorts, to help remind me of the ways I want to live and engage with the world.
I recently rediscovered this list on an index card, tucked away in a folder. And the items on it still ring true and feel right. They capture the things I value most, and they also work as tools to combat the familiar nagging bullies of busyness, perfectionism, control, and fear.
In the spirit of resolutions, here are my guideposts for the new year (and beyond):
1. There is enough.
2. Done is better than perfect.
3. Think, but not too much.
4. Remember what makes a good story.
5. Find the connection (there is one).
6. See the beauty (it’s there).
7. Share.
8. Take a deep breath. Have a cup of tea.
9. Trust the process.
10. Change what needs to change.
11. People first, always.
12. Give and receive freely.
13. Let it go.
14. Choose what brings joy.
15. Feel the fear. Do it anyway.
16. Try a different route.
17. Everything is an experiment.
18. Live the questions.
19. Practice being comfortable with being uncomfortable.
20. Be here now.
Have you identified any of your own personal rules? What are they? If you’re willing to share, I’d love to hear! It’s fascinating to see what other people pinpoint as their guiding principles. What feels true and important for one person may not be true for someone else—that’s what makes sharing them so interesting.
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About the Author: Erin Rufledt helps organizations develop their strategic messaging and bring it to life with visual design. She’s the founder of Luminary Lab, a communication design company that works with leaders and companies to align their vision, their brand and their marketing to win more business and clearly communicate about the work they do.
