Breaking Free from Groundhog Day: 13 Rules for Life

Ever feel like life has you stuck on repeat, like you’re living the same day over and over again? The difference between those who stay stuck and those who grow often comes down to one thing: the rules they choose to live by.

In this episode of The Practical Edge, I share the 13 Rules for Life that I’ve developed through personal experience, reflection, and working with dozens of people each week. These rules aren’t about perfection—they’re about direction. They’re the guardrails that keep you focused, intentional, and moving toward the life you were created to live.

We’ll cover:

• Why working harder isn’t always the answer—and how to start working smarter

• The importance of setting standards for yourself and not lowering the bar

• How health, courage, ownership, and gratitude play into your daily success

• Why family and legacy matter more than any tangible achievement

These rules are simple but powerful. They’ll help you build momentum, break free from cycles that hold you back, and stay grounded in what really matters.

So here they are.

• 1. Be the champion of your own life story.No one’s coming to save you. You’re the hero, and every day is another page in the story you’re writing.

• 2. Be present to enjoy the moments of life.Distractions are endless, but presence is how we experience gratitude and connection.

• 3. Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.Knowledge means little without application. Learn, act, grow.

• 4. Make up your mind and commit to the change you want.Decisions—not intentions—create transformation.

• 5. Always prioritize health and fitness.You can’t outsource or replace your body. Take care of it daily.

• 6. Being brave isn’t never feeling afraid—it’s conquering that fear.Fear can paralyze you, or it can fuel you. The choice is yours.

• 7. The standard you walk past is the standard you accept.Every detail you ignore lowers the bar. Raise your standard.

• 8. Take ownership of everything in your life.No excuses. Own your actions, your outcomes, and your growth.

• 9. Individuals are more important than tangible objects.People are irreplaceable. Stuff is not.

• 10. Wake up with determination, go to bed satisfied.Start strong, execute with focus, and let your pillow feel like a trophy at the end of the day.

• 11. Build a legacy through helping others.Impact outlasts possessions. Invest in people.

• 12. Family time is non-negotiable.Work can wait. Family can’t.

• 13. Live with gratitude and seek it daily.Gratitude rewires your perspective and fuels joy.

These rules aren’t perfect or rigid. They’re living principles that grow with me and help me realign when I drift. They serve as guardrails, keeping me focused on what matters most: building a fulfilling, intentional, and impactful life.

What about you? What rules would you write for your own life?

👉 If you want guidance in developing your own mission, vision, and rules for life, check out my coaching program Revamp at ⁠www.dylanjengland.com⁠.

Let’s build the foundation for your best life—together.

📖 Visit the blog for more: ⁠dylanjengland.com/reading-blog⁠📬 Email me: ⁠[e-mail]⁠

Quote to remember:
“The standard you walk past is the standard you accept.”

Tune in, reflect on these rules, and think about which ones you need to adopt—or revisit—in your own life.

Ready to build your own mission, vision, and rules for life? Check out my coaching program Revamp at www.dylanjengland.com.

Listen now and let’s keep leveling up—because we were meant for more.