3 Rules That Will Change Your Life

Even If They Break You First

Most self-help advice is boring.

• “Eat your veggies.”

• “Sleep eight hours.”

• “Say thank you.”

Mark Manson doesn’t do boring.
He gives you rules that punch you in the gut, and then hug you after.
Here’s the truth:
These three rules will change your life.
But only if you’re brave enough to live them.

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1: You Are Responsible for Everything

Imagine someone crashes into your car while you’re parked.
Not your fault.
But fixing it? That’s on you.

This is what Manson calls radical responsibility.
It’s the idea that no matter what happens, it’s your job to deal with it.
Not your mom’s.
Not your boss’s.
Not the government’s.

You choose how to see things.
You choose how to respond.
You choose whether you become better… or bitter.

You didn’t cause the fire.
But you’re holding the extinguisher.

This rule is harsh.
But it sets you free.

2: There’s No Such Thing as a Bad Emotion

Anger?
Sadness?
Anxiety?
They’re not problems.

They’re messages.
Your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s up.”

What matters isn’t the feeling.
It’s what you do with it.

Yell at your friend because you’re angry?
That’s the problem.
Pause, take a breath, and speak honestly?
That’s emotional skill.

There are no bad emotions. Only bad reactions.

Most engineers try to escape their emotions.
Smart engineers learn to handle them.
Great engineers use them to grow.

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3: Every Action Should Improve Life, Yours or Someone Else’s

This rule sounds sweet.
But it’s brutal.

Because sometimes the easy choice, feels good now, ruins you later.

Scrolling instead of sleeping?
Comfort today.
Exhaustion tomorrow.

Helping someone with fake kindness?
Praise today.
Resentment tomorrow.

Manson’s twist:
Don’t chase comfort.
Chase growth.

Make choices that build you up.
Make choices that lift others up.

Even when it’s hard.
Especially when it’s hard.

Growth isn’t found in what’s easy.
It’s found in what’s worth it.

The Truth Behind These Rules

These aren’t tips.
They’re weapons.

If you use them right, they’ll protect you.
If you avoid them, they’ll hurt you.

So don’t just read them.
Live them.
And if it gets tough?

Good.
That means they’re working.