Willpower vs Rules

Eventually, everyone loses the battle with willpower. The only question is when.

On the other hand, rules are an effective way of creating an artificial environment. Think about it, you’ve been taught your whole life to follow the rules. Follow the speed limit. Don’t run in the hallway. Do what you’re told. Everywhere you look there are rules, rules, rules. No one taught us how to use rules to our advantage. Since rules are very powerful at shaping behavior, they can help us get what we want.

Automatic rules turn the best choice the default choice.

When you find yourself using willpower to make the choices your future self wants you to make, try creating an automatic rule instead.

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