Jordan Peterson is a Canadian clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at the University of Toronto. He is known for his views on cultural and political issues, and his lectures on psychology and self-improvement.
Jordan Peterson’s 40 Rules for Life
- Rule 1: Stand up straight with your shoulders back
According to Peterson, standing up straight with your shoulders back is a physical manifestation of confidence and competence. It signals to others that you are capable and self-assured. But it also has a psychological effect on you, as it can help to boost your mood and increase your sense of self-worth. By standing up straight, you are taking up space and asserting your presence in the world.
- Rule 2: Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping
Many of us are better at taking care of others than we are at taking care of ourselves. Peterson suggests that we should treat ourselves as we would treat someone we are responsible for helping. This means taking care of our physical and mental health, setting goals for ourselves, and being kind to ourselves. By doing so, we can become more productive and more fulfilled in our lives.
- Rule 3: Make friends with people who want the best for you
The people we surround ourselves with can have a big impact on our lives. Peterson suggests that we should seek out friends who have our best interests at heart, and who support us in our goals and aspirations. These are the people who will encourage us when we are feeling down, and who will celebrate our successes with us.
- Rule 4: Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today
One of the dangers of social media and modern society is that we are constantly bombarded with images of other people’s seemingly perfect lives. Peterson suggests that we should focus on our own progress, and not compare ourselves to others. By looking back at who we were yesterday, we can see how far we have come and what we have achieved. This can be a powerful motivator for continued growth and development.
- Rule 5: Do not let your children do anything that makes you dislike them
This rule may seem harsh, but Peterson argues that it is important for parents to set boundaries and teach their children to be responsible and respectful. Allowing children to behave in ways that are disrespectful or harmful can have negative consequences for both the child and the parent-child relationship.
- Rule 6: Set your house in perfect order before you criticize the world
Peterson suggests that we should focus on cleaning up our own lives before we try to change the world. By setting our own houses in order, we can become more effective agents of change in the world. This means taking responsibility for our own actions and behaviors and making sure that our own lives are in order before we try to change others.
- Rule 7: Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient)
In a world that is often focused on short-term gains and instant gratification, Peterson suggests that we should pursue what is truly meaningful to us, even if it requires sacrifice and hard work. By doing so, we can create a sense of purpose and fulfillment in our lives, and make a positive impact on the world around us.
- Rule 8: Tell the truth – or, at least, don’t lie
Honesty is an important value in any society, and Peterson suggests that we should always strive to tell the truth. But he also acknowledges that there are times when it may be better not to say anything at all, rather than to lie. By being honest with ourselves and with others, we can build stronger relationships and live more authentic lives.
- Rule 9: Assume that the person you are listening to might know something you don’t
In today’s society, it can be easy to dismiss people who have different opinions or beliefs than we do. However, Peterson suggests that we should approach every conversation with an open mind and assume that the other person might have valuable insights or information that we don’t possess. By doing so, we can broaden our perspectives and learn from others.
- Rule 10: Be precise in your speech
Words have power, and Peterson suggests that we should be precise in our speech to avoid misunderstandings and miscommunications. This means choosing our words carefully and being clear about what we mean. By doing so, we can avoid unnecessary conflict and build stronger relationships with those around us.
- Rule 11: Do not bother children when they are skateboarding
Peterson suggests that children need to take risks and explore their limits in order to learn and grow. By allowing children to engage in activities like skateboarding, we can help them develop confidence and resilience. Of course, it’s important to ensure that children are safe and supervised while engaging in these activities.
- Rule 12: Pet a cat when you encounter one on the street
This rule may seem like a lighthearted suggestion, but Peterson argues that small acts of kindness and compassion can have a big impact on our lives. By taking a moment to appreciate something as simple as petting a cat, we can cultivate gratitude and a sense of connection with the world around us.
- Rule 13: Do not let bullies get away with it
Bullying is a serious issue that can have negative consequences for both the victim and the bully. Peterson suggests that we should stand up to bullies and not allow them to get away with their behavior. This means speaking up and taking action to protect ourselves and others from harm.
- Rule 14: Define your meaning in life
Finding meaning in life is a fundamental human need, and Peterson suggests that we should take the time to define what that meaning is for ourselves. This may involve setting goals and working towards them, engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment, and building relationships with those who matter to us.
- Rule 15: Do not allow yourself to become arrogant or resentful
Arrogance and resentment can be destructive forces in our lives, causing us to push away those around us and to become isolated. Peterson suggests that we should cultivate humility and gratitude, and avoid becoming too attached to our own ideas and beliefs. By doing so, we can build stronger relationships and lead more fulfilling lives.
- Rule 16: Notice the small things that others do for you
It’s easy to take the people in our lives for granted, but Peterson suggests that we should take the time to notice and appreciate the small things that others do for us. This can include anything from a kind word or gesture to a thoughtful gift or action. By expressing gratitude and appreciation, we can strengthen our relationships and cultivate a sense of community.
- Rule 17: Do not aim for perfection
Perfectionism can be a major barrier to success and happiness, as it can cause us to become overly critical of ourselves and others. Peterson suggests that we should focus on progress, rather than perfection, and strive to do our best in any given situation. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of perfectionism and lead more fulfilling lives.
Resentment can be a toxic emotion that can damage our relationships and our mental health. Peterson suggests that we should learn to forgive and let go of grudges, and avoid becoming too attached to our own grievances.
- Rule 19: Embrace the unknown
The future is always uncertain, and it can be tempting to cling to the familiar and avoid taking risks. Peterson suggests that we should embrace the unknown and be open to new experiences and opportunities. By doing so, we can learn and grow as individuals and lead more fulfilling lives.
- Rule 20: Be kind to yourself
Self-care is an important aspect of mental and emotional well-being, and Peterson suggests that we should be kind to ourselves and prioritize our own needs. This means taking time to rest and recharge, engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment, and seeking support when we need it.
- Rule 21: Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient)
In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to prioritize short-term gains over long-term fulfillment. Peterson suggests that we should instead focus on pursuing what is meaningful, even if it requires more effort and sacrifice in the short term. By doing so, we can lead more purposeful lives and find greater satisfaction and fulfillment in our pursuits.
- Rule 22: Tell the truth (or, at least, don’t lie)
Honesty is a cornerstone of healthy relationships and personal integrity, and Peterson suggests that we should strive to tell the truth in all our interactions. While it can be tempting to lie or deceive in order to avoid discomfort or gain an advantage, such actions can have serious consequences and damage our relationships and reputations.
- Rule 23: Assume that the person you are talking to might know something you don’t
Similar to Rule 9, this rule emphasizes the importance of being open-minded and receptive to different perspectives and ideas. By assuming that others may have valuable insights or information, we can approach conversations with curiosity and a willingness to learn.
- Rule 24: Be precise in your speech
Reiterating Rule 10, Peterson emphasizes the importance of clear and precise communication. By being intentional with our words and avoiding vague or ambiguous language, we can avoid misunderstandings and build stronger relationships with those around us.
- Rule 25: Don’t let your children do anything that makes you dislike them
As a parent, it can be difficult to balance love and discipline, but Peterson suggests that it’s important not to allow our children to behave in ways that we find intolerable or disrespectful. By setting clear boundaries and expectations, we can help our children develop self-control and respect for others.
- Rule 26: Don’t try to rescue someone who doesn’t want to be rescued
While it’s natural to want to help those in need, Peterson cautions against attempting to rescue people who are not receptive to help or who are actively self-destructive. Instead, he suggests focusing on improving ourselves and leading by example.
- Rule 27: Set your house in perfect order before you criticize the world
Before we can effectively address societal problems, Peterson suggests that we should first focus on improving ourselves and our immediate surroundings. By setting our own lives in order, we can cultivate the discipline and resilience needed to tackle larger issues.
- Rule 28: Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping
Similar to Rule 20, this rule emphasizes the importance of self-care and self-compassion. By treating ourselves with the same care and respect that we would offer to others in need, we can improve our own well-being and better serve those around us.
- Rule 29: Be precise in your thinking
Building on Rule 24, Peterson suggests that we should strive for precision and clarity in our thinking. By avoiding vague or overly simplistic ideas, we can better understand complex issues and make more informed decisions.
- Rule 30: Understand that order and chaos are not opposites but complementary
In many aspects of life, order and chaos exist in a delicate balance. Peterson suggests that we should strive to find harmony between these forces, rather than viewing them as opposing forces. By embracing both order and chaos, we can find greater balance and meaning in our lives.
- Rule 31: Don’t allow bullies to intimidate you
Whether in the workplace or in personal relationships, bullies can be intimidating and difficult to confront. Peterson suggests that we should stand up to bullies and assert our own values and boundaries. By doing so, we can build greater self-respect and earn the respect of others.
- Rule 32: Notice the small beauties in life
Amidst the chaos and busyness of modern life, it can be easy to overlook the small, everyday beauties that surround us. Peterson suggests that we should cultivate an appreciation for these simple pleasures, as they can bring us joy and fulfillment.
- Rule 33: Be grateful in spite of your suffering
Suffering is an inevitable part of the human experience, but Peterson suggests that we can find meaning and purpose in even the most difficult circumstances. By cultivating gratitude and focusing on the positive aspects of our lives, we can find resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
- Rule 34: Don’t allow your fears to stop you from pursuing your goals
Fear can be a powerful obstacle to progress and growth, but Peterson suggests that we should not allow it to paralyze us. By confronting our fears and taking calculated risks, we can overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.
- Rule 35: Do not let your children do anything that makes you dislike yourself
Similar to Rule 25, this rule emphasizes the importance of setting clear boundaries and expectations for our children’s behavior. By avoiding behavior that we find unacceptable in ourselves, we can model positive values and behavior for our children.
- Rule 36: Pursue what is meaningful, not what is expedient
In life, it is easy to become consumed by what is expedient, or convenient, rather than what is truly meaningful. While pursuing what is expedient can lead to short-term gains, it often results in long-term dissatisfaction and a lack of purpose. Pursuing what is meaningful, on the other hand, requires sacrifice and hard work, but can lead to a sense of fulfillment and a meaningful life.
- Rule 37: Let the children be themselves
Parents often have high expectations for their children and want them to be successful in life. However, it is important to remember that children are individuals with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Rather than trying to mold them into a specific image, it is important to allow them to be themselves and develop their own interests and passions.
- Rule 38: Pet a cat when you encounter one on the street
This rule may seem trivial, but it is actually quite profound. Taking a moment to appreciate the simple things in life, such as the company of a cat, can bring joy and happiness to an otherwise stressful day. It is important to take a step back from the chaos of life and appreciate the little things that make it worth living.
- Rule 39: Do not try to rescue someone who does not want to be rescued
While it is important to help those in need, it is equally important to recognize when someone does not want to be helped. Attempting to rescue someone who does not want to be rescued can be a waste of time and resources, and can also be damaging to the person being rescued. It is important to respect an individual’s autonomy and allow them to make their own decisions
- Rule 40: Be careful when you are trying to fix things
When trying to fix a problem, it is important to be careful and considerate in your actions. Oftentimes, attempting to fix a problem can result in unintended consequences and can even make the situation worse. It is important to approach problem-solving with a thoughtful and deliberate mindset and to carefully consider the potential consequences of your actions.
References:
https://steemit.com/life/@fartblaster/40-profound-life-rules-from-dr-jordan-b-peterson
https://www.highexistence.com/jordan-peterson-rules-living/
