Just a few years ago, I was exactly where you might be right now. My days were spent doubting myself, while nights were for comparing my messy reality to everyone’s polished reels. I was exhausted physically, emotionally, and spiritually with no purpose in life.
Life felt like a never-ending cycle of stress, expectations, and unfulfilled goals. I wasn’t living- I was merely surviving.
Until one day, I decided that enough is enough! I cleared my mind, sat down with myself, and asked myself what I wanted with my life. I realized that my focus shouldn’t be on the destination but on the journey.
So, I designed a blueprint for myself – 7 rules of life – to live by. In this blog, I am sharing these golden rules of life with you all.
They are not some magical solutions but simple and practical steps that helped me rebuild my world from the inside out. Let’s see how they can do the same for you.
7 Golden Rules To Live A Meaningful Life
Here are my seven rules of life that replace burnout with balance and doubt with direction.
1. Love Yourself First
Self-love isn’t vanity- it’s sanity. It is the very foundation of a fulfilling life. Before, I used to equate self-love with selfishness. Not anymore (the best unlearning!). Loving yourself isn’t arrogance; it’s:
- Being kind to yourself.
- Recognizing your worth.
- Setting health boundaries.
- Surrounding yourself with supportive people.
Once you get the foundation right, all the other rules seem easy to follow, and life gets more manageable.
2. Health Is Wealth
Your body is your most valuable asset, yet it’s often the most ignored one. Your body is like an engine—without the right fuel and maintenance, it will break down, leaving your journey at a standstill.
Healthy lifestyle choices can prevent up to 80% of chronic diseases. Health isn’t just salads and spin class; it’s sleep, hydration, and stress management. Swap “all-or-nothing” thinking for sustainable habits: A 10-minute walk, an extra glass of water, or saying “no” to overcommitment. Your future self will thank you.
3. Practice Gratitude Daily
Gratitude is the most powerful rule to live by. Research says that practicing gratitude can increase happiness by 25%. I tested this theory sometime back. Each night, I listed three things I was grateful for (it could be as little as a cup of coffee).
While I couldn’t calculate the exact 25% thing, this attitude of gratitude gave me a fresh perspective on balance. Over time, my mindset shifted from lack to abundance. I would call it a success.
You can also try these gratitude activities:
- Keep a journal.
- Engage in gratitude meditation.
- Use daily gratitude affirmations.
4. Live With A Purpose, Not Just Goals
Setting goals is essential, but a deeper purpose gives meaning to your life’s struggle. Goals are checkboxes; purpose is your why. A study shows writing goals increase achievement odds by 42%, but without purpose, they’re just tasks.
You have to find that sweet ‘why.’ Sit down with yourself and ask yourself some questions. Why am I doing what I am doing? What legacy do I want? What makes me feel alive?
Purpose fuels resilience—when setbacks hit, your “why” keeps you grounded. It ensures lasting fulfillment beyond temporary wins.
5. Build Strong Relationships
Life means little without meaningful connections. They are the #1 predictor of long-term happiness, says an 80-year-long study.
Yet, in our busy lives, human connections are the first ones to slip. The friends left behind when you moved states, the family members you haven’t called in months, and the old colleagues you once shared laughter with all slowly fade into the background.
Invest time and energy in nurturing meaningful connections with family, friends, and community. Here’s what you can do:
- Prioritize quality time with loved ones.
- Express appreciation through family affirmations.
- Schedule regular calls and hangouts with friends.
6. Don’t Compare Your Life To Others
They say, ‘comparison is the thief of joy.’ They say right (been there, done that, bought the shirt). I used to spend hours watching other Insta-perfect lives and berate myself for not reaching my potential.
When I quit comparing, I reclaimed my narrative. I started setting social media limits and focusing on my own small wins.
Clap for others’ success, but remember: Your path is unique. Comparing it to someone else will only steal your joy. Focus on your progress, not perfection. Strive for self-acceptance, not external validation. Make it your founding rule for life.
7. Invest In Yourself
Your greatest investment isn’t in stocks or real estate- it’s in YOU. You are your biggest project. So, make investing in yourself a golden rule of life.
Investing isn’t just courses or certifications; it’s self-reflection, exploring your passions, and never stopping learning. You stop growing the moment you stop learning. A continuous investment in yourself leads to confidence and long-term success.
- Learn a new skill or language.
- Read books that expand your mindset.
- Pick up a challenging hobby like chess or painting.
Your Story is Still Being Written
Life doesn’t come with an instruction manual, but these seven canon of life can serve as a guide to a meaningful, fulfilling existence. They are perfect to transform, grow, and to create a life that resonates with your values.
You don’t have to go all in at once. Maybe today, you start with gratitude. Tomorrow, you protect your energy. Over time, these golden threads weave into a life that’s not just productive but purposeful.
You’ve already taken the first step by reading this. Now, imagine where the next could lead. The pen is in your hands. What will you write next?
About the Author: Omer Aftab
