The Rules
Before just jumping off into the entire process of living life deliberately, there needed to be some guardrails identified to clearly indicate what that meant. Basically, I needed to lay out some rules. Rules for how to structure the weeks and days to make sure I would be making the most of it. The goal for the 100 days is not to completely burn myself out with my day job—far from it. It was to make the most of the other minutes of everyday so that nothing got wasted and everything had some positive value add to life. That includes socializing, being entertained, having a purpose for going to the gym, and even taking breaks.
It was easier said than done. And truth be told? This process was started before the countdown would even officially begin (with my first post being June 4, the hundred days is set to end Friday 12 September 2025). The first draft of the rules started back in early May, and have gone through a few different edits, changes and drafts before being ready.
Rule #1: Start by Asking “Why”
If there is uncertainty for an activity, ask why. Utilize the “7 Whys” method to uncover the true purpose behind the intention. By repeatedly asking “why”, strip away superficial reasons and reveal the true nature. This will keep the process anchored. So every choice resists mindless distraction and aligns with making the decision to only do the positive value adds in life. Even if that means the “why” is to take a break.
Rule #2: Breaks are a positive value add
Reframe downtime, breaks are good. Reading fiction, listening to music, just sitting idle. Rest needs to be seen as a productive contribution to life, not a guilty escape. Be intentional with the rest, and only engage in activities that offer it physically, mentally or emotionally. So when returning to activities there is a sense of being refreshed, creative, and far less tempted by the lure of distraction like scrolling.
Rule #3: Aim Cultivate Full Presence
Treat each moment (whether it’s washing dishes, reading an email, or going to the store) as a mini mindfulness practice. Anchor your attention on the sights, sounds, and sensations happening right now. With more mundane tasks, let it wander and see where it goes. Over time, this habit of full presence transforms routine activities into opportunities for clarity, calm, and deeper engagement.
Rule #4: Condition‑Based Task Completion
Before beginning any task, define clear “done” criteria, exactly signals that it’s complete. Then devote action entirely to that task until those conditions are met, avoiding thoughts of what comes next. This honors each commitment fully, eliminates mental clutter, and builds momentum through genuine completion.
Rule #5: Schedule Intentional Tech Sessions
Carve out specific time blocks for digital activities (i.e. reviewing notifications on linkedin, reading the news in the morning, posting to Substack, etc). Treat each session like a calendar appointment: start promptly, stay focused on the task at hand, and wrap up when the task is completed (the “done criteria” is met). By confining screen time to planned intervals, this keeps tech in its place and protect the flow of non‑digital pursuits.
Rule #6: Be Ruthless with the To-do List
Maintain a running to‑do list, label defined tasks as what needs to get done, and what would be nice to get done. The need to get done should be spaced out over the week, and the nice to get done should be broken up daily. This constraint prevents attempting to do it all and ensures that time is invested in activities that truly add value, at times when they’ll be able to be completed
Rule #7: Five Minutes or Less
If any tasks is present, and it would take five minutes or less to complete (and you have five minutes to spare) the task gets done right then and there. Things like loading/unloading the dishwasher, taking the trash out or putting laundry away. Eliminating these small tasks whenever the time allots, leaves more time for bigger and better things later.
Rule #8: Select Entertainment Intentionally
Before pressing play on a movie, show, or podcast, ask what is hoped to be gained (laughter, inspiration, learning, or stress relief) and set a clear time limit. When entertainment enriches the mood, sparks creativity, or broadens perspective, it becomes a positive value‑add rather than a mindless escape. The intent is to watch or listen, not have it on while scrolling. By consciously opting into entertainment, this ensures every moment of results in something more.
Rule #9: Take Time for Intentional Connection
Instead of tagging someone in a post, reaching out to friends and family needs to be about connection. We are reaching out to them for a purpose, even if it is just to say hi and let them know we were thinking about them. Doing so via text, a phone call, a hand written letter, and meeting just for coffee. Time with other people needs to be devoted to just that.
Rule #10: Protect Time For Joy
This means taking the time to put yourself fully into something that brings joy. That the moment should not be intruded on by any other thoughts, distractions, or notifications. That the time to have fun needs to be protected just like the time for rest. Playing with the dogs or family, listening to music, or eating a really good meal. The things that bring joy need to be fully and intentionally experienced.
There will also need to be some kind record keeping piece. Something that tracks the ebb and flow of the days to weeks. Each morning, time will be carved out to spend reflecting on what happened the day prior, what felt meaningful, and what slipped through the cracks. Honest reflection helps to spot patterns (good and bad) and adjust the next day’s plan so every minute is spent with a positive value add. Each week, those reflections will be summarized and documented right here (in that scheduled block of course).
I don’t want to act like these rules are perfect, or that they’ll apply to every possible situation, or even that they are finished. In fact, I feel like they’ll be revised, edited and adjusted as the days go on. More might even get added as the need for them becomes apparent. However, it was important to get something down to get the process started.
And these ten felt like a pretty good place to begin.
