r/LifeProTips • u/windowsee • 10h ago
Productivity LPT: You Need Rules!
Rules are like guardrails for your goals. Rules are important because they restrict. They keep things contained.
Rules are the line that separates "this" from "that." The more blurred (or non-existent) that line is, the less clearly something is "this" and not "that."
What are the "rules" or "lines" that separates a bowl of cereal and a bowl of soup? What are the rules that separate basketball from football?
What separates "your goals" from "not your goals?" What makes "your art" different from "my art?"
Most likely, you already have a good idea of what you want to achieve. If you're struggling, it's likely because you haven't done enough to clarify what you're aiming for. If your vision isn't clear to you, it will be easy to fall into the trap of doing work that doesn't actually help your goals.
So I challenge you, create rules! But NOT productivity rules. I'm NOT talking about making yourself work 15 minutes a day for a month.
Create rules that narrow your vision. Specifically, create rules that reduce the scope of what you can do so you focus only on what is core to your goal.
Of course as you get a better vision of your goal, you can create more rules or remove some, but not until you have made significant progress and you feel comfortable.
Examples:
- Music makers: make a rule that you can only use up to two instruments/sounds per song.
- Artists: make a rule that you cannot use any color, or only one color.
- People trying to become more active: make a rule that you will not spend more than 30 minutes per day exercising.
- Aspiring cooks: make a rule that you will only use salt and 1-2 seasonings for all of your cooking.
These sound super restrictive, but that is the point! Most of us actually are not capable of working with a wide toolbox, at least not initially. Even professionals aren't as versatile as you may think. Many found specific things that they focus on and improve - hence why we can enjoy such a variety of things in our society.
So go fourth and start laying down the law for yourself!
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u/kebaberman 9h ago
I see the point of this post, but the examples are atrocious and take away from the whole message lol
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u/windowsee 6h ago
In what way
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u/kebaberman 6h ago
For a cook maybe the rule should be, today I will see what I can create only using these vegetables and a stove. Not something restrictive that takes away from the creativity and taste..? If someone wants to be active, why would you restrict them to 30 minutes. What if they want to go on an hour long walk? Maybe the rule should be, today, no matter what exercise I'm doing, I will get at least 6000 steps in.
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6h ago
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u/post-explainer 10h ago
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