10 Rules I Follow Everyday (please steal)

To have a good life, you just have to follow some simple rules.

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Life doesn’t come with an instruction manual — no one hands you a guidebook when you’re thrown into the whirlwind of existence.

We’re all just figuring it out as we go, trying to make sense of the chaos.

But over the years, I’ve managed to piece together a set of guiding principles that keep me grounded.

These are my non-negotiables, my “Big Ten,” the rules I follow religiously to lead a life of purpose, productivity, and peace.

Today, I’m sharing them with you in hopes they’ll serve you just as well.

1. Be a perpetual student

Never stop learning. Seriously, I cannot stress this enough.

The world is an endless tapestry of knowledge, and I see myself as just a humble student, eager to soak it all in.

Every day, I strive to learn something new, whether it’s an obscure historical fact, a complex algorithm, or even just a simple life hack.

This relentless curiosity keeps my mind sharp and my perspective fresh.

It serves as a constant reminder that I’m just a small piece in this grand cosmic jigsaw — and that’s humbling in the best way possible.

2. Start with gratitude

Let me tell you a secret. Gratitude is my daily reset button.

Before the world can throw its chaos at me, I start the day by grounding myself in the things that matter.

Whether it’s being thankful for the breath in my lungs, the people I love, or the challenges that shape me, this practice isn’t just a feel-good exercise. It’s a power move.

Gratitude shifts your perspective, turning mundane moments into something magical.

It’s like planting seeds of positivity that sprout throughout the day. Try it.

You’ll see how it changes everything.

3. Listen more, talk less

In a world filled with noise, choosing to listen is one of the most underrated yet powerful habits you can develop.

I’ve found that when I truly listen — without the urge to respond or offer my opinion — I gain deeper insights into the people and situations around me.

This rule has taught me that real wisdom often comes not from speaking, but from absorbing and reflecting on what’s been shared.

When you listen, really listen, you pick up on things others miss. You learn more, understand more, and, honestly, you become a better human.

So, take a step back. Let others talk. You’ll be surprised at what you discover when you’re not the one doing all the talking.

4. Exercise — No excuses

I don’t care how busy life gets — exercise is non-negotiable.

Every day, without fail, I move. Some days it’s a hardcore workout; other days, it’s a walk or some yoga. The key is consistency, not intensity.

I’ve learned that taking care of my body is a gateway to taking care of everything else. It’s not just about muscles or abs — it’s about clarity of mind, resilience of spirit, and the simple joy of feeling alive.

So, no excuses. Get moving. Your future self will thank you.

5. Pay it forward

You know what makes life truly meaningful? Giving back.

Every single day, I find a way to pay it forward. It doesn’t have to be big — sometimes it’s just a kind word or a small gesture. But it’s the intention that counts.

The thing is, when you give, the universe has this funny way of giving back to you tenfold. It’s like tapping into this endless well of good vibes that lifts you up even on your darkest days.

So, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Just start. The world needs more people who care.

6. Embrace failure

Let’s get one thing straight — failure is not your enemy. It’s your teacher.

Every time I screw up, I learn. And trust me, I’ve screwed up a lot.

But I’ve also grown from every single failure. It’s not about avoiding mistakes; it’s about embracing them, learning from them, and coming back stronger.

Stepping out of your comfort zone is scary, but that’s where all the good stuff happens.

So, don’t fear failure — invite it in, have a chat, and let it show you the way forward.

7. Live mindfully

We’re all guilty of living on autopilot sometimes. But I’ve found that the real magic happens when you slow down and pay attention.

Mindfulness isn’t some woo-woo concept. It’s about being present — whether I’m sipping my morning coffee, walking outside, or just breathing.

It’s about noticing the little things, appreciating them, and letting them ground you in the moment.

Living mindfully keeps me sane. It reminds me that life isn’t just about the big achievements; it’s about the small, everyday moments that make up the journey.

8. Prioritize mental health

If you’re not taking care of your mind, you’re missing the point.

Mental health is just as important as hitting the gym or eating right.

For me, it’s about making sure I’m in a good place mentally — whether that’s through meditation, journaling, or just taking a break from the digital noise.

I’ve learned that when my mind is in check, everything else falls into place. So, I prioritize it. Every. Single. Day.

And I don’t feel guilty about it, because a healthy mind is the foundation for a healthy life.

9. Never compromise on integrity

Integrity is the cornerstone of who I am. It’s about being honest, reliable, and true to my word, even when no one is watching.

Every day, I make choices that align with my values, even when it’s hard.

Being honest and true to myself is non-negotiable.

In a world that’s full of shortcuts and quick fixes, sticking to your principles isn’t always easy. But it’s worth it.

Integrity builds trust, respect, and a legacy that outlasts any short-term gain.

When you stay true to who you are, life has a way of rewarding you in the end.

10. Teaching

Here’s the thing — if you really want to master something, start teaching it.

Sounds counterintuitive, right? But trust me, it’s the secret sauce.

Writing has been my obsession for as long as I can remember. It’s not just a hobby or a job; it’s a part of who I am.

But I realized that simply writing wasn’t enough. If I wanted to truly excel, I needed to share what I’ve learned with others. That’s when the real growth happens — not just for those I teach, but for me as well.

You’ve probably noticed that my feed is packed with content about writing. I pour my heart into it because I know how much it means to people.

But here’s where it gets interesting; I decided to ask my newsletter subscribers what they really wanted to improve.

A whopping 82% said they needed help with their writing. (Don’t worry, the 18% looking to boost their productivity — I’m coming for you next).

I took this feedback seriously. I reached out to some seasoned creators, including the brilliant Eve Arnold, and they all gave me the same advice:

Go deep. Teach one-on-one.

While general advice is great, personalized coaching is where the magic happens.

It’s like having a custom-tailored suit versus something off the rack — it just fits better. And that’s how real transformation occurs.

So, I made a bold move. I launched 1:1 coaching sessions for writers — whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started.

This isn’t just about teaching; it’s about connecting, understanding, and guiding each writer in a way that truly resonates with them.

And you know what? I’m loving every minute of it.

Teaching is pushing me to refine my own skills, deepening my understanding of the craft, and helping others find their voice. It’s a win-win.

So, here’s the deal — I have the capacity to coach a few writers who are serious about leveling up their writing game. If you’re ready to take that next step, I’d love to help you get there.

How does it work?

It’s simple: Just grab a spot with me here. If there’s anything you want me to check out before we chat, send it my way. And feel free to share any writing struggles or goals you have. We’ll sort through it all together.

“A good writer is not someone who knows how to write- but how to rewrite.” — William Goldman

See you inside.