By using the binary rules to make decisions, you are empowering the Hard Choice Habit. Any decision can be successfully made by following one of the four basic rules.

Rule 1: EASY or HARD

The most basic of the decision rules is the rule of EASY or HARD. All other rules are built upon this simple rule. Whether in nature, biology, spirituality, technology HARD choices are rewarded. Success is the proportionally related to the number of HARD choices a person is willing to make. Whether it is at home, at work, or a personal goal, HARD choices are the required payment for success.

“If you learn to use it right, the adversity, it will buy you a ticket to a place you couldn’t have gone any other way.”

Tony Bennett, UVA Basetball Coach

Rule 2: TO or FOR

This rule is all about perspective. Human beings avoid pain, struggle, and difficulty at all cost. This is partially biologically driven, but recently exacerbated by the comforts of our modern world. Sadness, difficulty, and pain is unavoidable and a required aspect of human existence. Successful people use these experiences to grow, learn, and flourish. In order to use these life experiences to their good, they must be viewed as informative, not punitive.

“Don’t dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next.” Dennis Waitley

Rule 3: BUT or AND

BUT thinking emphasizes the obstacle. BUT is a passive aggressive effort to derail advancement. If BUT alters momentum, AND propels it forward. AND is opportunistic and additive in nature. AND represents an abundance mindset forcing increase.

“Life is not always a matter of holding good cards, but sometimes playing a poor hand well.” Jack London

Rule 4: FEAR or FORWARD

FEAR must be overcome if any progress is to be made. Our conscious and subconscious mind responds and detects fear. We have been conditioned that it is safer to remain where we are, versus risking how a new place might enhance our existence. The FEAR controls us, stifles us, restricts us from living our best life. We FEAR being laughed at, embarrassed, rejected, or losing what we have worked so hard to achieve. FORWARD acknowledges our fear and propels us FORWARD in spite of the FEAR.

“Fear thrives in a place of inaction. Overcome your anxiety by taking one small step forward.” Sarah Boyd