Part of the definition of “rule” is that it is a “governing action” or “procedure.” When you consider governing action it really encapsulates the way that rules relates to results. This is because rules are essential to the process. Rules can be said to govern because they represent the procedures and parameters of your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, strategies, setups, entries, stops, management, and exits. In this way well thought-out rules make the difference between reaching your goals or not.

Now, the other thing to consider as we discuss rules is that humans live by the stories that they have constructed from early in life much like a script to a play. These stories or scripts can be termed rules as well. They form the foundation of your behavior. In fact, as humans grow, they develop a set of typical response patterns to reoccurring events. These typical responses or patterns of behavior could be termed a list of rules that you live by. For example, if you are driving, there are rules to follow for both safety and the orderly movement of traffic. These lists of “rules” are reflected in your every decision. So, not only are rules essential to reaching your goals, it is also important to have rules that are in your best interest.

For the most part, core, belief connected rules are out of your awareness. You make important choices based upon these life rules and when you get results that you don’t want, changing those results can be very difficult if you’re not also changing the rules that those results were based upon. In other words, if your choices go unchallenged then the awareness of why you made the choice remain out of conscious touch. However, once the rule is identified, it can be challenged and modified. Also, as you challenge each rule you uncover other assumptions that were used to base that rule upon creating a myth rather than truth. The interesting thing about mythology is that if you believe it to be real, it is not mythology, it is truth to you, even as it doesn’t serve you. In fact, this simple yet powerful “myth” can cause your downfall even though it can serve you in other parts of your life. This ineffective rule leads to behavior that is not your A-Game. It can be termed a “Fool’s Rule.” So, it’s important to ensure that your rules support your A-Game and that’s why you’ll want to have a list of rules you can follow to reaching your goals.

Remember, your A-Game from your highest and best self is all that matters to your results. The road to reaching your goals is not a place to venture into unprepared and unfocused. Reaching your goals is a mental game, and if you don’t have mental and emotional tools it is like driving without a steering wheel – you’ll not only lose your way, you will crash and burn without them. So, let your rules be your road map to consistent results.