“Protect my time” is an intention. When a colleague asks for help, you still have to decide what that means. A short rule can make the next action easier to recall in a situation that keeps repeating.
Choose three situations from your real week. Start with things you have already noticed, rather than trying to write a philosophy for every part of life.
Use an action you can carry out
For a new request, the rule could be: “Before agreeing, I ask what needs doing and by when, then check my current commitments.” For an optional purchase: “Before paying, I check the full cost and what I already own.”
The action should be clear enough that you can tell whether you did it. “Be more sensible” offers little guidance when you are tired or under pressure.
Include the exception
Some situations need a different response. An urgent essential purchase may not allow a long pause. A genuine emergency may change which task comes first.
Describe the exception in practical language. If almost everything becomes an exception, investigate whether the rule fits your circumstances. A rule should help you make a judgement, not hide the need for one.
Put the rule on trial
Set a date to review it. Did you remember the action? Did it help? Was it unnecessarily complicated? You can revise the wording or replace the rule when you learn more.
Begin with three memorable rules you can use this week. Keep the ones that make decisions easier, then revise the others using what you learn in ordinary situations.
A reusable format
- When this situation happens…
- I will first do this…
- A sensible exception is…
- I will review the rule on…
Write your three versions in the place where they will be used. A purchasing note belongs near your purchase decisions; a workload check belongs near the calendar you consult before agreeing to work.
