[Jordan B. Peterson’s] wisdom, originally "12 Rules For Life" can be distilled into six steps that helps you navigate in your own chaos and grow to become more wholesome. Here’s how to take control and grow:
Step 1: Own Your Presence, Stand Tall & Face Life Head-On
Your posture and "how you carry yourself" are not only the first messages you send to the world (let's think more inwards here) - it's the continues message you send to your own brain! Standing tall isn’t just about looking confident and sending a signal to the suroundings, it’s about feeling worthy, capable and ready to tackle the challenges that comes with life. Neuroscience shows that “power posing” can actually change your brain chemistry and thus the feeling of confidence - which is reducing stress. Yes. Really!
When you open your chest, lift your chin, and hold your shoulders back, you’re telling your mind and body that you are in fact worthy and capable.
But owning your presence also means embracing discomfort and uncertainty. Life will serve lemons and knock you sideways. Sometimes hard (those are the milestones in your growth - embrace them).
How you respond to it; makes all the difference. Do you let yourself fall and blame the wind and rain, or will you rise up and catch the tailwind.
Standing tall is a metaphor for resilience. You acknowledge the struggle and refuse to be defeated by it. Perhaps even use it to your advantage.
Try This: Practice mindful posture checks during your day. Every time you walk through a doorway, before an important meeting or a difficult conversation; pause, breathe deeply, and reset your posture.
Open your inner eye and watch how your mindset shifts.
Having trouble speaking nicely to yourself and mastering mental posture? Read this: Hack Your Brain for Growth: Stop Self-Sabotage
Step 2: Care for Yourself Like You Would for Someone You Love
Most of us are consistently harder on ourselves than we are on others. We judge ourselves more, lose trust in ourselves more quickly, and prioritize others’ needs above our own.
Or what we believe are others’ needs...
We allow negative self-talk and neglect our needs, thinking we don’t “deserve” it. But self-care is the first brick to growth. If you neglect yourself - physically, mentally, and emotionally, your ability to create and sustain a (to you) meaningful life simply crumbles.
When I speak about "self-care" it means more than bubble baths. It’s about setting and actively respecting boundaries, feeding your body nutritious food, prioritizing sleep and cultivating your emotional well-being. It also means treating your goals and dreams with respect.
Try This: Write a letter to yourself as if you were your own best friend. Reflect on your values and the identity you’re proud of. For inspiration, read: Falling in Love or Just Seeing Yourself with Better Lighting?
List what you appreciate about who you are, and commit to doing one thing this week that honors that love.
Step 3: Choose Your Circle Wisely — Surround Yourself with Growers
You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Your social circle shapes your beliefs, behaviors, and energy levels. If your circle is filled with negativity or complacency, your growth will stall.
A tribe that challenges you, supports your dreams, and holds you accountable is invaluable. Be mindful: not all toxicity is obvious. Some people drain energy through subtle judgment or constant complaining.
Try This: Take stock of your relationships. Who lifts you up? Who drags you down? Learn more here: Relationship Triangle: Respect, Trust & Loyalty
Step 4: Measure Progress by Your Own Yardstick, Not Someone Else’s
Comparison is a joy-killer. Measuring yourself against others distracts you from your own unique path.
True growth is about becoming better than you were yesterday. Celebrate small wins and build momentum.
Try This: Start a win journal. Record one daily improvement or victory. For inspiration: Overcoming Mental Obstacles: Stop Building Your Own Walls
Step 5: Speak Your Truth and Clean Up Your World
Honesty is the foundation of integrity. Speaking truth frees mental energy and builds trust.
Cleaning up your world means decluttering your space, clarifying commitments, and setting boundaries. Order creates room for growth.
Try This: Identify one chaotic area in your life and take one action to bring clarity. Need help? If You’re in Doubt, You’re Actually Not - Here’s Why
Step 6: Embrace Risk, Find Meaning, and Savor Life’s Simple Joys
Growth requires stepping beyond comfort. Risk fuels learning, creativity, and resilience.
Meaning comes from alignment with values. Don’t forget to savor small joys — sunlight, breath, smiles, and kindness.
Try This: Do one thing this week that scares or excites you. Record one small joy each day. Read more: Tiny Steps, Huge Drama: How Doing Almost Nothing Can Actually Change Your Life
Final Thoughts
These six steps aren’t quick fixes. They are lifestyle shifts that build resilience and meaning. Stand tall, care for yourself, choose your tribe, grow intentionally, speak truth, and embrace risk with gratitude.
