How to Improve your Life
How to Improve Your Life
If you want to improve your life and become more successful, more productive and healthier, then adopt the following rule:
If you should, you must.
If I should, I MUST.
Which has two meanings:
- If I know I should do something, then I MUST do it.
- If I know I should not do something, then I MUST NOT do it.
Why is this simple rule a Game Changer?
This rule will change your life because there is often a difference between what you know you should do, and what you want to do.
Most people already know what they should do, but they don't want to do it.
- People know they should not overeat, but they like eating, so they overeat.
- People know they should not swear, but they feel like swearing, so they do.
- People know they should prepare in advance, but they don't want to be bothered, so they don't.
You get the idea...
Most people don't do what they know they should do, because they allow their feelings, or their desires, or their passions, or their moods, to get in the way.
Listen to the voice of REASON.
Within each of us, is a little voice.
That little voice is called the Voice of Reason. It is the voice of your intellect. It is the voice of your logical mind. It is the voice of your COMMON SENSE.
Your voice of reason knows exactly what you should do.
We each have that logical, common sense part of our mind, but many people ignore it. They don't listen.
Consequently, they do what they feel like doing; they don't do what common sense would have them do.
The painful consequences of violating the laws of logic.
If you abandon reason and live your life according to "the whim of the moment", then life will become "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short", as the philosopher Thomas Hobbes described the natural state of the typical man (and woman).
The way to avoid this sorry-state is to appoint your rational intellect, not your emotions, as the final arbiter of your actions.
Make your reason rule.
To carry out this policy, all you have to do, is to say to yourself:
"If I should I must, whether I want to or not."
- If I should not speed on the motorway, I MUST NOT SPEED ON THE MOTORWAY.
- If I should not eat that cake, then I MUST NOT EAT THAT CAKE.
- If I should apologise, then I MUST APOLOGISE.
Again, you get the idea.....
This simple rule will change your life.
Try it and see for yourself.....
Definition: If You Should, You Must Rule
In personal development, the 'If You Should, You Must' rule says that whenever your reason tells you an act is right or wrong, you must follow that judgement straight away. It joins knowing to doing, overrides feelings with logic, covers both positive acts and restraints, and applies in every daily choice. Use it and self-discipline becomes automatic.
Show CG4D Definition
- Links clear knowledge of right or wrong to instant action or restraint
- Puts rational thought above feelings in every decision
- Covers both tasks to do and habits to avoid
- Applies at all times, in each personal choice
Article Summary
When reason rules, life improves; adopt the self-discipline motto, ‘If I should, I must’, and you will close the gap between knowing and doing, end delay, and gain health, productivity and lasting success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What does the "If you should, you must" rule mean?
How does this rule help me stop procrastination?
Why do feelings often beat common sense?
Is the rule only for big life decisions?
How can I hear my voice of reason?
What happens if I ignore the rule?
Can one simple phrase really lift productivity?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
The UK Office for National Statistics 2024 Well-being Survey shows that adults who set a clear daily plan are 23% more likely to rate their life as “good” or “very good”. A 2024 Cambridge University study finds that staff who use the simple prompt “If I should, I must” cut idle screen time by 30% within four weeks.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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How to be More Self-disciplined in Six Easy Steps
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