#224 What’s Your Personal Philosophy?

What's your strategy?
What rules do you have in place?
What's your personal philosophy?

Why You Must Have Rules

The term “rules” sometimes gets a bad rap.

People don’t like being told what to do, and some people go as far as to think that something is being taken away from them.

But having your own personal set of rules – for multiple areas of your life – is imperative. Personally, I have rules for my diet (Anabolic Fasting), rules for drinking alcohol, rules for my training program, rules for personal development, rules for work, rules with my family, and rules with signing up for events.

Why have rules? Because it keeps you between the lines and gives you structure.

Case in Point

Back in May 2022 I did a bodybuilding show on Saturday and a powerlifting meet on Sunday. I came off the meet feeling awesome, and I went into full-degenerate mode for about three days.

What do I mean by “degenerate?” I mean I was drinking beer every day and eating great-tasting food that I usually don’t eat.

This window of time is where I personally struggle because there is no plan or date on the calendar.

To be clear, I do believe that you need to relax from time to time. However, I’m wanting to highlight how being aimless with no rules and structure can dramatically change everything for the worse if that’s your normal way of operating.

I Hate the Feeling

I hate the feeling of not following my rules.

I don't like the way it feels because the discipline is what gave me the freedom I want. As Jocko says, "Discipline is freedom." Discipline, rules, and non-negotiable habits are what steer the ship towards success. It's just the way it is.

**Nothing is being taken away from me. I’m actually giving myself more of what I want by instilling more discipline in my life.**

Your Personal Legend

I encourage you to live out what Paulo Coelho (author of The Alchemist) calls your “personal legend.” This means that you are always striving to live out your purpose. Put the work in, identify what that purpose is, and build out your own personal philosophy. Add & subtract as needed.

You don’t have a fighting chance without a personal philosophy, without rules, and without discipline.