Have you ever felt pressured to make a decision on the spot, only to later regret your choice? I certainly have, and it led me to adopt what I now call the 24-hour rule. This simple practice has been nothing short of life-changing for me, and I believe it can do the same for you.
Why the 24-Hour Rule?
The 24-hour rule is straightforward: before saying yes or no to any request, give yourself a full day to think it over. This practice has helped me align my decisions with my long-term goals and values, rather than being swayed by momentary emotions or external pressures.
I often used to look at my calendar and think, "I don't have time to do the things I want to do." Why? Because I had said yes to things I felt I should say yes to but wasn't really excited about doing. I knew if I wanted to align my time with my priorities, I needed to do something different. That's when I started implementing the 24-hour rule.
When I first starting putting it into practice it wasn’t easy. I found myself in situations where I was asked to participate in a project and normally I would have felt compelled to say yes immediately, not wanting to disappoint anyone or because of FOMO! (fear of missing out) But as I started to use my new rule regularly I would just take a deep breath and say, "I need 24 hours to think about this." That simple sentence was liberating. It gave me the space to weigh the pros and cons and to consider how the project or opportunity fit into my broader vision for my life and work.
The 24-hour rule is a powerful tool. It allows us to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. By taking a step back and reflecting, we make decisions that support our personal and professional growth.
I know many of you face the challenge of balancing multiple responsibilities and often feel the pressure to make quick decisions.
Implementing the 24-hour rule can alleviate some of this stress. It provides a buffer, allowing you to assess whether a decision aligns with your long-term goals or is simply a reaction to immediate circumstances.
How to Implement the 24-Hour Rule
1. Set the Expectation: Let others know that you have a policy of taking 24 hours to consider decisions. This can be as simple as saying, "I need 24 hours to think about this." Or “I always take 24 hours before making a decision, I can get back to you on this tomorrow.”
2. Reflect on Your Goals: Use this time to reflect on how the decision aligns with your bigger goals and vision. Does it support your growth and values? What is the time commitment? Saying yes to this will mean saying now to what other opportunities?
3. Make a Thoughtful Decision: After 24 hours, make your decision from a place of calm and clarity. You'll find that your choices are more aligned with your true desires and long-term plans.
I encourage you to try the 24-hour rule for yourself. Start with small decisions and see how it feels. Notice the difference it makes in your stress levels and the quality of your choices.
Share your experiences in the comments or on social media using the hashtag #heygirlyoucan.
Let's support each other in making thoughtful, growth-oriented decisions.
By implementing the 24-hour rule, you're not just buying time; you're investing in yourself and your future. Give it a try and see how this simple practice can transform your life.