Rule #2: Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping.
If you didn’t already read our breakdown of Rule #1, do that first HERE
Jordan Peterson’s second rule is “Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping.” This rule is a crucial step in taking responsibility for one’s own life and making positive changes. In his book “12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos“, Peterson explains that this rule is about taking care of oneself and making the necessary changes to improve one’s life, just as one would do for someone they care about.
It means that you have to take care of your body, so that you can use it to work and to help others. It means that you have to take care of your mind, so that you can think clearly and make good decisions. It means that you have to take care of your emotions, so that you can be stable and resilient and strong.
Many of us are guilty of neglecting our own well-being in the pursuit of helping others. We put the needs of others before our own and forget to take care of ourselves. But, as Peterson points out, you can’t give what you don’t have. In order to be able to truly help others, you have to first take care of yourself.
So, how can we put this rule into practice? Here are a few actionable steps that you can take to start treating yourself like someone you are responsible for helping:
Jordan Peterson’s Actionable Steps:
- Make self-care a priority: Start by setting aside time each day for self-care. This could be as simple as taking a few minutes to meditate, journal, or do a stretching routine. Or, it could be dedicating an hour to your favorite hobby or exercise.
- Practice healthy habits: Take care of your body by eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. Prioritize your physical health and make it a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.
- Manage your emotions: Practice emotional intelligence and learn how to manage your emotions. This could include therapy, journaling, or other forms of self-reflection.
- Set boundaries: Learn to set boundaries and protect your time and energy. Say no to things that don’t serve you and make time for the things that do.
- Be compassionate with yourself: Remember to be kind and compassionate with yourself. We are all human and make mistakes. Be gentle with yourself when you fall short of your own expectations.
In conclusion, Jordan Peterson’s second rule is about taking responsibility for one’s own well-being and making the necessary changes to improve one’s life. It’s about treating yourself with kindness and respect and taking the necessary steps to improve your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Start by incorporating these actionable steps into your daily routine, and you’ll be well on your way to treating yourself like someone you are responsible for helping.
Go read 12 Rules For Life NOW to dive deeper!