The Rules That Set Us Free (Part 2)

Hey friends,

Last week, we talked about “The Rules That Set Us Free”—the quiet, intentional rhythms that help us build stronger homes and deeper relationships.

This week? We’re talking about personal and work-life rules.

Because while home is your foundation—how you grow and how you show up in the world determines your legacy.

Let me say this upfront:
Most of these rules aren’t flashy.
They won’t earn you a standing ovation.

But if you follow them, they’ll quietly change your life.

So here it is—Part 2. The “everyday,” how-you-live-when-no-one's-watching kind of rules that help you build a stronger self and a more sustainable work life.

Your Phone Isn’t the Enemy—but It Can Be the Boss if You’re Not Careful

Let’s call it out: discipline doesn’t work well against smartphones.

Why? Because they’re engineered to win.

So we have to outsmart them. Not just for ourselves—but for the little eyes watching how we live.

Here are a few phone + tech rules I’m working on:

• Leave your phone at the door.

  Set a charger by the front door. Let that be its home—not your kitchen table or your nightstand. You’ll be amazed how “lazy scrolling” disappears when your phone is 12 feet away.

• No phones at the table.

  Not face-up. Not flipped-over. Just gone. Because nothing says “you’re not my priority” quite like a glowing rectangle between you and your people.

• Don’t hold your phone while talking.

  It sends a signal: “This convo is temporary.” Put it down. Presence is power.

• Sunlight before screen light.

  Start your morning with the real world. Stretch, pray, take a walk. The digital can wait.

• Bring a book instead.

  Waiting for a client? Standing in line? Grab a book, not your phone. Read what you love until you love to read.

• Touch it once.

  That email? That message? Don’t reopen it 17 times. Either deal with it, delegate it, or schedule a time to handle it.

Day-to-Day: The Kind of Person You Want to Be—Even If No One Notices

We live in a culture that praises hustle but forgets health.

That rewards outcomes, not effort.

That distracts more than it nourishes.

These are the rules that help me stay in alignment, not just busy.

• Work, or do nothing.

  When facing a tough task, set a timer (1–2 hours). During that time, you can either do the work—or sit there in silence. No scrolling. No “quick check-ins.”

  It’s amazing how fast you’ll get productive.

• Leave two reps in the tank.

  Whether it’s your workout, your energy, or your to-do list—don’t burn it all. Longevity wins. Don’t pour out so much today that you’ve got nothing left tomorrow.

• Bring a water bottle.

  Hydration = health.

  And planning ahead = freedom.

• Don’t drink your calories.

  Save soda for the fun times. Your energy and your body will thank you.

• Celebrate process, not just outcomes.

  Before you even start a big project, pick a few milestones and plan how you’ll celebrate—with people you love.

  A romantic dinner. A fun game-night. A family outing. Rewards that fill your soul—not just your trophy shelf. Not all projects will be winners, but if you continue to show up the right way, consistently over a long-enough time horizon, good things will reliably happen.

• “Ten and five” rule.

  If someone’s within ten feet, look them in the eye and smile. Five feet? Say hello.

  Small kindnesses build big trust. Sometimes they’ll think you’re weird. Most of the time they’ll smile back. Stole this one from the hospitality industry.

• It’s not a fire if you don’t know about it.

  Don’t “just check in” on your day off. If you do, you’ll find problems—and feel like you must fix them. Protect your peace. Be present. The world can wait.

• If a book is bad, quit it.

  Life’s too short for dry chapters.

  But if a book’s good—read it twice.

Mindset Rules That Move You Forward

These are the gut-check rules. The kind you whisper to yourself when it’s hard to keep going—or when you’re tempted to quit too early.

• The best investment is in your health.

  Without it, nothing else matters. Don’t wait until your body yells at you to start listening.

• Build fitness when you have it.

So that it's there when you need it. The best way to deal with something unhealthy is to first become as healthy as possible.

• Safety third.

  Growth and comfort can’t ride in the same car. Take the leap. Just remember to wear a parachute.

• Strike the iron when it’s hot.

  Don’t slow down just because the finish line is near. Go all in. Leave nothing undone. As we say in Track – Break-The-tape.

• Show up or don’t.

  Half-effort is exhausting. Choose what matters—and go all in. Own your “yes.” Honor your “no.”

• When you see a sunset… stop.

  Put down the phone. Stop talking. Take it in.

  Let beauty interrupt you.

What Rule is Saving Your Life Right Now?

This list isn’t complete.

It’s not perfect.

But it’s a start—and we want to grow it together.

What’s one personal rule you try to follow?

Big or small. Silly or serious.
Drop it in a reply or post it online and tag us.

Let’s build a library of real-life rhythms from people walking the same path—with purpose, faith, and a little chocolate along the way.

The good life isn’t stumbled into.
It’s created—one small rule at a time.

With gratitude and grit,
Brock

P.S. One of our favorite community rules? “Give the gift.” Especially when there’s no occasion at all.
Extraordinary chocolates. Purposeful messages. Goodness created to be shared. And let’s NOT forget BARKTEMBER is happening right now.  👉 Try The Wild Side of Bark