There’s a quote I love:

“When you live your life on principle, 99% of your decisions are already made.” —Dave Ramsey

Most of us know what we value—we just don’t consistently live it. That’s where simple rules come in. 

They’re like a personal operating code—your unique way of moving through the world. Not just for making money, but for deeper relationships, stronger health, and more joy.

SUPERHUMAN SCORING

In every edition of System Sunday, I assess the featured system across three superhuman dimensions: impact, setup, and maintenance.

Unlike your typical review, I focus on factors that influence personal growth. Get to know the evaluation system.

Impact (9.5/10)

The average person makes 35,000 decisions per day. That drains energy and fuels decision fatigue. The result? Worse choices as the day goes on. Simple rules solve this.

Think of them as pre-decisions: “If X happens, then I do Y.” In psychology, this is called an implementation intention. In practice, it’s like an algorithm for life. 

Research shows this If-Then approach makes you 2-3 times more likely to follow through than relying on willpower alone.

Let’s start building your code.

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Setup (9.0/10)

Pick 3–5 simple rules to start. Here are some of mine—steal any that resonate, then craft your own:

Health:

• If it’s within 3 hours of bedtime, then I don’t eat.
• If I want a drink, then I don’t choose soda or any sugary beverage.
• If I drink alcohol, then I only do so socially and never more than one.
• If I’ve gone two days without exercise, then I must move my body on the third, even if it’s just a 15-minute walk.

Wealth:

• If I use a credit card, then I pay the balance in full every month.
• If I want to buy something over $100, then I wait 24 hours before purchasing.
• If I am buying something pricey or signing a contract, then I always try to negotiate (even if it is uncomfortable). 

Relationships:

• If I think something kind, then I say it out loud.
• If a conversation is important, then I don’t have it over text.
• If I’m returning from a solo trip, I buy my significant other a gift.

Career/Productivity:

• If my alarm rings, then I get up immediately (no snooze).
• If a task takes less than 2 minutes, then I do it immediately.
• If I’m waiting somewhere, then I read instead of scrolling.

Environment/Lifestyle:

• If I’m exploring a new hobby, I wait to buy expensive equipment.
• If a flight is over 6 hours, then I book business class.
• If it’s bedtime, then I don’t leave dishes in the sink.

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Maintenance (7.5/10)

Treat your rules as a living, breathing document that you’ll add to.

Use the Start–Stop–Continue framework to strengthen it.

• Start: Borrow rules you admire from others.
• Stop: When something goes wrong, ask, “What rule could prevent this?”
• Continue: Double down on what already works to make it consistent.

This is a continuous process of refining your code without punishing yourself for mistakes. Every mistake is just data for a better rule.

BRINGING IT HOME

When I reflect on the people I admire most, one trait stands out: they live by a strong personal code.

They’re not swayed by peer pressure, headlines, or trends. Their beliefs, words, and actions line up.

Simple rules won’t just save you from decision fatigue—they’ll build congruence. And congruence is where clarity, confidence, and peace live.

Extraordinary lives are built by limiting ordinary choices.

All systems go,

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