Set standards that make future shortcuts embarrassing.

RESILIENCE

WHAT THIS MEANS

Once you have held a standard for a while, falling below it becomes uncomfortable in a way that no rule could enforce. That discomfort does the work that willpower cannot, because it operates automatically and does not need you to remember anything. Setting a standard is partly an investment in your own future reluctance to cut corners.

Establish the standard now, while things are calm and nothing is pressing. Say plainly what you do and do not do. When the tempting shortcut arrives later, you will find the resistance is already there rather than needing to be summoned.

A QUESTION TO SIT WITH

Which shortcut would you be uncomfortable taking a year from now?

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