Happy Friday Everyone!!
I came across this article on LIfehack Daily and thought we could all benefit from this idea of decluttering our minds :-).  The author talks about Bright Line Rules and how they can effectively help us reach our personal and professional goals.  Depending on who you are, some of you may have checked out as soon as you read the word “Rules”, but before you do, I want to make sure you realize these are “Rules” you choose for yourself to help you find success in all aspects of your life.  It’s a simple thing to do and it can be incredibly effective!
“A bright-line rule refers to a clearly defined rule or standard. It is a rule with a clear interpretation and very little wiggle room. It establishes a bright line for what the rule is saying and what it is not saying”.
Below are a few examples of some Bright Line Rules but I would encourage you to take 5min to read the article, I think you’ll find it very useful:-).
Bright Lines to help you reach your goals:
•    You might say “I want to lose weight and have more energy” – How?
o    Bright Line – I run for 30min every Monday, Wednesday and Friday
•    You might say “I want to save more money for retirement” – How?
o    Bright Line – I put $200 in my retirement fund monthly
•    You might say “I want to spend more quality time with my spouse or significant other” – How?
o    Bright Line – Once a week we go out for dinner or plan something fun that we both enjoy without any distractions

Bright Lines to help you break bad habits:
•    You might say “I want to cut back on my sugar consumption” – How?
o    Bright Line – I don’t drink soda or energy drinks
•    Read the article for another great example
How Bright Lines Unleash Your Hidden Willpower:
“First, bright lines shift the conversation in your head from one of sacrifice to one of empowerment. When you don’t have a bright line established and you choose not to do something, the tendency is to say, “Oh, I can’t do it this time.” Conversely, when you do have a bright line clearly set, your response can simply be, “No thanks, I don’t do that.” Bright lines help you avoid making just-this-once exceptions. Instead, you are following a new identity that you have created for yourself.
Second, by establishing clear decisions in your life, you conserve willpower for other important choices. Here’s the problem with trying to make daily decisions in muddy water: Without bright lines, you must decide whether a situation fits your standards every time. With bright lines, the decision is made ahead of time. Because of this, you are less likely to suffer from decision fatigue and are more likely to have willpower left over for work, relationships, and other health habits”.

 

Lifehack Daily Declutter Your Mind

 

Yous in Health and Wellness,

Meredith