When I was a kid, my parents had a book called The Four Spiritual Laws. Can’t speak to the quality of the laws (or the book), as I never read it.

Several years ago, I read The Four Agreements (which is an excellent book).

And now here’s my own personal addition to this subset of quad-oriented rule collections.

They’re not really laws or rules. They’re beliefs.

Maybe there is some truth to them (seems to be) but I’d also not argue for their inherent trustworthiness. I’m also certainly not the first person to articulate these thoughts, not by a long shot.

What I do know is that, when I remind myself of these beliefs, or make them guidelines for my life, things tend to go better.

Rule 1 (GARDEN/notes/The law of ownership): You are the only person responsible for your life: your choices, the way you use your time, your perspective, etc.

Rule 2 (GARDEN/notes/The law of self-determination): The happiness or success of others cannot depend on you.

Rule 3 (GARDEN/notes/The law of finite resources): There will always be more opportunity/need than there is time.

Rule 4 (GARDEN/notes/The law of trade-offs): Every Yes to one thing is a No to every other thing.