Day 19: Rule-based Thinking – Your Bias-Proof Shield

Make one decision now so you don’t have to make 100 later.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

KEY INSIGHT: Rule-based thinking is creating a principle ahead of time that removes friction, emotion, temptation and second-guessing. A rule is a pre-decision – a line you don’t re-cross.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Think of a recurring decision that drains your mental energy or leads to regret. How could a simple rule eliminate this pattern?

TODAY’S EXERCISE: Consider creating your Rule System.

• Identify Your Patterns – What types of decisions do you struggle with repeatedly? Where do you consistently make mistakes? What situations trigger your worst judgment? These are the areas where you need rules most.

• Study Your Failures – Look at your biggest regrets. What rules would have prevented those mistakes? What patterns can you identify? What warning signs did you ignore? Each failure is a rule waiting to be discovered.

• Define Your Values – What matters most to you? What kind of person do you want to be? What kind of life do you want to live? Your rules should reflect your deeper values, not just your immediate preferences.

Start with just one rule. Master it completely before adding others. The goal isn’t to create a rigid system – it’s to automate your best judgment.

Whatever your rule may be… make it. Then follow it. Religiously.