← back to writingRules to live by

Rules to live by

by Tae Kim

Some thoughts and principles I've gathered over the years. Subject to change.

  • Follow. Your. Gut.

  • Don’t let what you think the world should be get in the way of what it actually is.

    Pessimists tend to be right and optimists tend to be successful.

  • Listen to the things that bring you joy and energy. Do more of that.

  • If you don't like a situation, do something about it. Take accountability.

  • Live for tomorrow AND today. Avoid the "Life will be good when..." mentality.

  • "If it costs you your peace, it's too expensive." - Paulo Coelho

  • You can only connect the dots looking backwards.

  • Strong opinions, loosely held.

  • 80/20 rule, rule of three

What are principles?

ChatGPT (o3):

A principle is a concise declaration of a value you intend to live by; it serves as a constant reference point that quietly shapes how you notice, judge, and choose. Think of it as a mental compass you can express in a single line whenever a decision presents itself.