12 Rules To Simplify Life And Boost Success
Written by Michelle Ong | January 3, 2025
Feeling overwhelmed by life, work, and everything in between? A few simple number-based rules can help you cut through the noise, stay grounded, and make success feel a lot more achievable.
Sometimes life feels like a blur—too many tasks, too many decisions, too little time. But what if simplifying your day didn’t require a full lifestyle overhaul?
These number-based rules offer an easy, structured way to stay intentional, productive, and centered. Apply just one or two, and you’ll immediately feel the difference.
Let’s dive in.
1. The 8-8-8 Rule: Create a Balanced Life
“Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create.” – Jana Kingsford
Divide your day into:
8 hours work • 8 hours rest • 8 hours personal time
This simple structure ensures you make time for yourself and your goals.
💡Read this for time management tips.
2. The 2-Minute Rule: Beat Procrastination Fast
If a task takes less than two minutes—replying to a message, clearing your workspace, sending a quick email—do it now.
This rule eliminates friction, builds momentum, and stops little tasks from piling up into mental clutter.
💡Read this for tips on handling procrastination.
3. The 2-Day Rule: Keep Habits Alive
Life gets busy, and sometimes habits slip. The key is not perfection—it’s consistency.
The rule: never skip a habit two days in a row.
Miss one day? No big deal. Miss two? That’s when the downward spiral begins.
This gentle structure keeps you disciplined and flexible.
💡Here are tips to build discipline and stick to habits.
4. The 80/20 Rule: Focus on the Work That Matters
“Focus on being productive instead of busy.” – Tim Ferriss
Not everything deserves equal attention.
Identify the 20% of tasks that drive 80% of your results—and prioritise those.
This transforms your productivity and helps you break free from “busy but not effective” mode.
💡Discover common and lesser-known tips to boost your focus.
5. The 1% Rule: Tiny Improvements, Massive Results
Big changes feel overwhelming. Small ones don’t.
Improve just 1% daily—in health, learning, work, mindset—and you’ll grow far more than you expect.
Success is built on tiny steps you take consistently.
6. The 50-30-20 Rule: A Simple Formula for Financial Peace
“Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.” – Warren Buffett
Allocate:
50% needs • 30% wants • 20% savings/investments
This framework brings clarity to your budget—and makes long-term security feel achievable, even on an average income.
💡More practical money tips here.
7. The 24-Hour Rule: Stop Impulse Spending
Ever regretted a spur-of-the-moment shopping spree? The 24-hour rule is a lifesaver.
Wait a day before making significant purchases.
Most of the time, the urge fades, saving your wallet from unnecessary splurges.
8. The 10-10-10 Rule: Make Decisions You Won’t Regret
“It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.” – Roy E. Disney
Before making a decision, ask yourself:
How will I feel in 10 minutes? 10 months? 10 years?
This instantly puts impulse, pressure, and fear in perspective.
💡Want to make smarter choices? Read this post.
9. The One-In-One-Out Rule: Maintain a Calm, Clutter-Free Space
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” – William Morris
For every new item you bring in, remove one.
Bought a new pair of shoes? Donate an old pair.
This rule keeps clutter under control and keeps your environment clean, light, and easy to manage.
💡More decluttering tips in this post.
10. The 5-Minute Reset Rule: Clear Mental Clutter
Feeling overwhelmed?
Stop for five minutes—breathe, stretch, journal, step outside, or reset your space.
This micro-reset lowers stress and helps you return with clarity and focus.
11. The 20-20-20 Eye Rule: Reduce Digital Strain
Screens are a big part of our lives, but eye strain doesn’t have to be.
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
It’s a simple habit to refresh your eyes and prevent fatigue during long workdays.
12. The 3-2-1 Sleep Rule: Improve Sleep Quality
Want better sleep? Follow this simple formula:
3 hours before bed → stop eating 2 hours before bed → stop working 1 hour before bed → stop screens
Your mind and body will thank you the next day.
💡Learn how to improve sleep in this post.
Final Thoughts
Life doesn’t have to feel chaotic.
These simple rules bring structure, clarity, and ease into your routine, without heavy planning or complicated systems.
Start with one rule today. Observe the shift. Then build from there.
Small steps. Big change.
🌱 Reader Reflection
Which rule resonates most with you right now—and what’s one small action you can take today to put it into practice?
Write it down. Start small. Stay consistent.
