The Rule of 52

Doing a 24-city book signing and speaking tour for a Fortune 500 company over a five-week period was taking its toll. We had two young daughters at home, it was the holidays, and we’d just started our animation company. On top of this, the publishing deadline for my next book was nearing. In sum, it was a classic case of me not respecting my capacity. Perhaps you can relate? 

I was breaking down.

Yet, I realized this was an opportunity for a breakthrough, not a breakdown. How did I arrive in this land of overload? How can I prevent this in the future?

Being a big believer in the concept that things happen for you, not to you, this experience led to my 52 Night Rule, a rule we track as our #1 KPI (Key Performance Indicator). From a short-term viewpoint, this rule costs the business revenue. Yes, it costs the company revenue in the short-term. But, from a long-term perspective, it is invaluable across all fronts, including revenue and, most importantly, fulfillment. In the short term, we may lose a battle, but in the long run, we are winning the war. 

The Rule:

A maximum of 52 nights per year away from my family, protecting at all costs what matters most.

My hope is that you can learn from my experience by placing guardrails in your life to protect what is important. What is your equivalent of the 52 Night Rule? 

If this post helped you, share it with a friend and check out The Focus Project. 

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