The 10 Rules That Guide My Life

There was a time in my life when I felt completely lost.

I had just turned 30, and everything around me seemed to be moving while I stood still. Friends were getting married, building families, climbing corporate ladders. And me? I was juggling self-doubt, unfinished dreams, and a deep ache for something more meaningful.

That’s when I sat down and asked myself a big question: What do I actually believe in? Not what I was told to believe growing up, not what I thought would please others—but what truths really matter to me?

Out of that quiet moment came something unexpected: a list. Ten simple rules that, somehow, had been quietly guiding me all along. These rules aren’t flashy or profound on the surface. But they have become my anchor when life gets stormy. They are the compass I return to when I’m unsure of my next step.

I want to share them with you—not because I think I have life all figured out, but because I believe we all need a set of values that helps us move through this world with clarity, intention, and heart.

1. Be kind, even when no one is watching.

Kindness, to me, isn’t just a nice gesture—it’s a choice. I've learned that the quietest acts of goodness often carry the most weight. Holding the door open, offering a smile to a stranger, or sending a “thinking of you” text—these small moments add up. They remind me that how I treat others says more about me than about them.

2. Forgive, but don’t forget the lesson.

Forgiveness has been one of the hardest lessons in my life. I’ve been hurt deeply—by people I trusted and even by myself. But I’ve come to understand that forgiveness isn’t about letting someone off the hook; it’s about freeing myself from the burden of resentment. I forgive so I can move forward. But I also remember so I can protect my peace next time.

3. Trust your gut—it knows before your mind does.

Every time I’ve ignored my intuition, I’ve regretted it. That subtle nudge, that uncomfortable feeling in my chest—it’s there for a reason. I’ve learned to honor it, especially when something doesn’t feel quite right. Our inner voice is quiet, but it’s wise. And it rarely steers us wrong.

4. Don’t chase people—attract them.

I spent years trying to please everyone, molding myself to fit in. But no matter how hard I tried, I still felt alone. Then one day, I stopped chasing and started focusing on becoming someone I genuinely liked. That’s when the right people began to show up. Now I believe: if I stay true to who I am, the ones meant for me will find me.

5. Do the right thing, even when it’s the hard thing.

Integrity isn’t always convenient. There were times I had to walk away from opportunities because they didn’t sit right with my values. It hurt—but it also made me proud. Doing the right thing might cost you something in the moment, but it always gives you peace in the long run. And peace, I’ve learned, is priceless.

6. You don’t have to be perfect to be worthy.

This one took years to believe. I used to think I had to earn love, prove myself, achieve more, look better. But I’ve slowly unlearned that lie. I’m learning to love myself in the messy middle, in the growth process, in the mistakes. We are all a work in progress, and we are worthy—right now—as we are.

7. Rest is not a reward. It’s a necessity.

I used to wear exhaustion like a badge of honor. “I’m busy,” I’d say, as if that meant I was doing life right. But burnout taught me otherwise. Rest isn’t laziness—it’s fuel. I no longer wait until I’m on the edge of collapse. I now treat rest as a sacred part of productivity, creativity, and self-care.

8. Ask for help. It’s brave, not weak.

I grew up thinking independence meant doing everything alone. But life has a way of humbling us. There were moments I couldn’t carry everything, and when I finally asked for help, I was met with kindness. It takes strength to admit you need support. And it builds connection in the most beautiful way.

9. Be present. This moment matters more than you think.

Life moves fast. Too fast. I’ve missed so many beautiful moments because I was stuck in the past or worried about the future. Now, I try to slow down. I notice the way the sunlight falls through the window. I savor my coffee. I listen—really listen—when someone speaks. Because this moment? It will never come again.

10. Keep learning, always.

There is no finish line for growth. Every person I meet, every challenge I face, every book I read—there’s something to learn. Staying curious has kept me humble and open. Life is a constant unfolding, and I want to keep evolving until my very last breath.

The Heart of It All

These 10 rules don’t make life perfect—but they’ve made it deeply meaningful.

I’ve broken them at times. I’ve stumbled and forgotten. But they’re always waiting for me when I return—like an old friend who doesn’t judge, just reminds me who I really am.

If you’ve ever felt lost or overwhelmed, I encourage you to pause and ask: What do I believe in? Make your own list. Let your values guide you. And don’t be afraid to rewrite them as you grow.

Because life isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about moving with intention, leading with love, and trusting the journey—even when it’s messy.

The Moral

When you live by your own truth, the world becomes a little clearer, a little kinder, and a lot more beautiful. Create your compass, follow it bravely, and let it lead you home.

--------------------------------------

Thank you for reading...

Regards: Fazal Hadi