The 3 Life-Changing Rules Inspired by Jordan Peterson
Introduction
In the realm of self-improvement and personal growth, few figures have made as significant an impact as Dr. Jordan Peterson. With his popular YouTube channel, influential podcasts, and bestselling books like “12 Rules for Life,” Peterson has become a household name. While his work has spawned countless discussions and debates, one of the most profound takeaways from his teachings is the concept of creating personal rules for life. In this article, we’ll explore three life-changing rules inspired by Jordan Peterson’s ideas.
1. Embrace Radical Responsibility
The concept of radical responsibility, as inspired by Jordan Peterson’s teachings, revolves around the idea that we are responsible for everything in our own experiences, even if external circumstances or other people’s actions contribute to those experiences. This principle is rooted in existentialism, particularly the philosophies of Jean-Paul Sartre.
Sartre’s Insight: The Burden of Constant Choosing
Jean-Paul Sartre’s profound insight was that every moment of consciousness involves choices. We are not passive observers of life; instead, we actively make choices about how to perceive and react to the world. This choice extends beyond actions to encompass our interpretations, values, and emotional responses.
Consider a scenario where someone says something offensive, causing you to become angry. Sartre’s philosophy suggests that part of your anger arises from the choices you made. You chose to interpret the statement as offensive, based on your values and beliefs. You chose to react with anger. This constant choosing is mentally and emotionally taxing, leading many to seek ways to shift responsibility onto others.
Avoiding Responsibility: The Blame Game
One common way people avoid responsibility is by blaming external factors or individuals for their experiences. They might say, “It’s not my fault; he made me do it,” or “My boss messed up; I was just following orders.” Blaming others allows individuals to sidestep personal responsibility for their actions or reactions.
Furthermore, Sartre argued that we often try to pass on our values, beliefs, and principles to others, subtly avoiding responsibility. For example, we may choose a career path because it’s a family tradition or because it’s what everyone else is doing. This is a form of avoiding responsibility, living in “bad faith” as Sartre described it, where we conform to external expectations rather than making choices based on our own principles.
Living in Authenticity: Embracing Responsibility
Conversely, living with responsibility involves consciously making choices based on our principles and values in every moment. It entails being aware that we are continually making these choices. Sartre termed this “living in authenticity.” Today, we often refer to it as being true to oneself or finding one’s authentic self.
This philosophical concept has profound implications for personal growth and self-improvement. It underscores the importance of recognizing our power to choose differently and take control of our lives. Without accepting personal responsibility for our choices, there is no path to meaningful improvement.
The Responsibility Fault/Fallacy: Understanding Responsibility vs. Fault
One common obstacle people face when embracing radical responsibility is the responsibility fault/fallacy. This misconception assumes that if something is your responsibility, it must also be your fault. However, this is far from the truth.
Imagine getting hit by a bus or having a newborn baby left on your doorstep. These events are not your fault, yet they become your responsibility. Acknowledging and accepting this distinction is crucial for personal development. It’s about recognizing that life often presents us with responsibilities that are not tied to fault, and our ability to handle them shapes our growth and character.
In essence, radical responsibility challenges us to take ownership of our choices, reactions, and ultimately our lives. It’s the cornerstone of self-improvement, reminding us that we have the power to shape our destinies through conscious decision-making.
2. Reframe Emotions: There Are No Bad Emotions, Only Bad Reactions
Jordan Peterson’s second rule centers on the idea that emotions themselves are not inherently good or bad; rather, it’s our reactions to these emotions that determine their impact. This rule encourages us to embrace emotional complexity and develop the skills to manage our feelings constructively.
The Spectrum of Emotions
Human beings experience a wide spectrum of emotions, from joy and love to anger, sadness, fear, and more. These emotions serve as valuable biological feedback mechanisms, finely tuned by evolution to help us navigate life effectively.
For instance, fear alerts us to potential threats, triggering a “fight or flight” response to ensure our survival. Happiness rewards us for positive experiences, reinforcing behaviors that contribute to our well-being. Emotions, in their essence, are tools honed by millions of years of human evolution.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence
Peterson’s rule encourages us to cultivate emotional intelligence or, as he terms it, emotional skill. Just as some individuals excel in specific sports or activities, some people naturally excel at managing particular emotions while struggling with others. This rule emphasizes the importance of honing emotional skills to navigate life’s challenges effectively.
Bypassing Negative Judgment
An essential aspect of this rule is learning not to judge emotions negatively. It’s normal to experience sadness, anxiety, or anger at various points in life. What’s crucial is our response to these emotions. Do we suppress them, label them as wrong or shameful, or judge ourselves for experiencing them?
To reframe emotions, we must let go of this negative judgment. Emotions are a part of the human experience, and they provide valuable information about our inner state. Instead of labeling them as good or bad, we can acknowledge them, understanding that they serve specific purposes.
Balancing Vulnerability and Hero Worship
In recent years, there has been a surge in public figures, athletes, leaders, and even members of the royal family openly discussing their mental health and emotions. While this trend has encouraged greater emotional openness, it has also led to a potential pitfall—hero worship.
While vulnerability and openness about emotions are essential for destigmatizing mental health, it’s vital not to glorify individuals solely for their emotional struggles. Emotions are a shared human experience, and neither being excessively negative about them nor excessively positive is productive.
In essence, Peterson’s second rule encourages us to embrace our emotions without judgment, to develop emotional skills for healthy expression, and to recognize that emotional complexity is part of the human condition.
3. Prioritize Radical Growth and Improvement
The third rule inspired by Jordan Peterson centers on the intention that every action and decision we make should aim to improve lives, both our own and those of others. This rule challenges us to adopt a mindset of continuous growth and self-improvement.
Defining Improvement and the Challenge of Intentions
The notion of “improvement” can be challenging to define. What constitutes a better life? How do we know if our actions genuinely enhance the lives of others? Peterson’s rule suggests that it’s the intention behind our actions that matters most. The commitment to growth and betterment serves as our guiding principle.
Radical Growth as a Value
Peterson’s rule encourages us to adopt a value of radical growth. Just as the first rule emphasizes radical responsibility and the second highlights emotional skill, this rule underscores the importance of growth as a guiding value.
Embracing radical growth means continually striving for personal development, pursuing meaningful endeavors, and seeking to become a better version of ourselves. It encompasses every facet of life, from self-improvement and relationships to contributing to the betterment of society.
The Challenge of Maintaining Intentions
Maintaining an intention toward radical growth and improvement is no small feat. It requires constant self-reflection and evaluation of our actions. Are they aligned with our values and intentions? Are we genuinely making a positive impact on our own lives and the lives of others?
Much like virtues in ancient Greece, which require ongoing effort, Peterson’s third rule reminds us that personal growth is an ever-evolving journey. It’s not about achieving perfection but striving for progress and making choices that align with our commitment to improvement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these three life-changing rules inspired by Jordan Peterson’s teachings—embracing radical responsibility, reframing emotions, and prioritizing radical growth—provide valuable frameworks for personal development and self-improvement. They invite us to take ownership of our choices and reactions, navigate our emotional landscapes with skill and empathy, and pursue a lifelong commitment to growth and betterment.
By incorporating these rules into our lives, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and continuous improvement. Remember that these rules are not rigid mandates but guiding principles that can evolve with us as we navigate life’s complexities. Embrace them, reflect on your own rules for life, and embark on a path toward personal growth, fulfillment, and a deeper understanding of the human experience.