What are your rules?
I’m currently in the market for a new bike.
Thankfully, I enjoy researching, comparing, and wading into deep online wormholes of information and debate about every minor detail of a purchase because there is no product better suited to this level of obsession than a bike.
Simply put, the options (and opinions) are endless.
Recently, while reading an article about the difference between 650b and 700c wheels, an ad in the corner of my laptop screen caught my eye. A bike manufacturer was now offering me 25% off if I made a purchase before midnight. Brushing aside the inherent creepiness of retargeting ads, I was intrigued.
I had been considering one of this brand’s bikes for the past few days (hence the ad), but I wasn’t completely sold. I wanted to find one locally for a test ride at the very least. Still, 25% was a significant discount and within minutes I found myself adding a bike to my cart. I could feel my heart rate rising.
Anxiety building as I added my credit card information, my finger hovered over the “Complete Your Order” button. I was about to click it when I paused, remembering one of the rules I try to live by: Always wait at least 24 hours before making a big purchase.
I closed my laptop and felt the stress dissipate.
Sure, I “missed out” on significant savings, but I decided a long time ago I would never make a major purchase under pressure. Thanks to this rule I didn’t spend the next week worrying about my decision as I awaited the arrival of a bike I’d never ridden. Nor did the sight of a coupon that expired at midnight derail the rest of my day as I debated whether or not to use it. Instead, I was able to quickly dismiss the pressure-inducing deal and get on with my life.
Rules like this are shortcuts.
They are calculated guesses based upon previous life experiences that allow us to move through our personal and professional lives with less friction and decision fatigue.
Your rules are undoubtedly different from mine, but we can both enjoy the same benefits that living by a set of rules provides.
For instance, you might have a rule that when you're shopping for something and come across a discount of 25% or more, you immediately make the purchase. Had you been looking for a bike when you saw the same deal I did, you would’ve bought it without stress, knowing that you were following one of your rules.
Rules evolve as you accumulate experience. Having a perfect set is less important than simply having rules to begin with.
Do you tackle your hardest tasks first thing in the morning or start with an easy one to get some momentum? How do you decide whether or not to accept an invite to connect over coffee? What work projects do you take on? Always order the dinner special or always pass?
Rules make life easier. What are yours?
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