“In order to be able to think, you have to risk being offensive.”
– Jordan Peterson
Recently I’ve been enjoying reading through Jordan Peterson’s landmark bestseller, 12 Rules For Life: An Antidote To Chaos.
And while I highly recommend reading the book if you haven’t already, I also realized that these rules would be really easy to summarize and condense.
If you’ve read his book, here’s a reminder of the wisdom inside.
If you haven’t, here’s the gist. 🙂
Which rule is your favorite?
Personally, I like the 2nd one and the last one!
Stand straight with your shoulders back: Display confidence physically. It not only changes others’ perceptions of you but also boosts your self-esteem. Practice good posture daily.
Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping: Prioritize self-care. Give yourself the same patience, kindness, and advice you’d offer to a friend in need.
Make friends with people who want the best for you: Evaluate your relationships. Keep close to those who support you and inspire you to grow, and distance yourself from those who bring you down.
Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today: Measure your growth based on your past self. Set small, achievable goals daily to facilitate this.
Do not let your children do anything that makes you dislike them: Guide your children’s behavior so they become likable, well-adjusted individuals. Make your expectations clear and provide consistent discipline.
Set your house in perfect order before you criticize the world: Address personal issues before blaming external factors for your troubles. Start with manageable tasks like cleaning your room or organizing your workspace.
Pursue what is meaningful, not what is expedient: Seek long-term fulfillment over instant gratification. Make a list of your values and set goals that align with them.
Tell the truth—or at least, don’t lie: Foster trust in relationships through honesty. Practice this by being transparent in your communication.
Assume that the person you are listening to might know something you don’t: Enter every conversation with an open mind. Ask questions, show curiosity, and be willing to learn.
Be precise in your speech: Communicate clearly to avoid misunderstandings. Practice being concise and articulate in everyday conversations.
Do not bother children when they are skateboarding: Allow kids to take risks within reason. If you’re a parent, find a balance between protecting your children and allowing them the freedom to learn from their experiences.
Pet a cat when you encounter one on the street: Appreciate small moments of joy. Take a few moments each day to savor the beauty around you, whether it’s a pet, a sunset, or a calming cup of tea.