The Man MakesDecide once, in peace, so you never have to decide again in the storm.
Every man lives by a code. The only question is whether he wrote it or inherited it by accident. The man with his own laws decided in peace, so he would not have to decide in panic.
Most men negotiate with themselves in the moment of temptation — and the moment of temptation is rigged. Tired, pressured, wanting, they lose the argument about half the time and call it being human. The man with laws does not enter the argument. "I don't do that" is not a decision he makes when the offer comes; it is a decision he already made, in daylight, with a clear head. The rule does the heavy lifting so his willpower does not have to. This is why a few firm laws will outperform a thousand good intentions.
The Stoic source
Epictetus, Enchiridion 50Whatever principles are set before you, stand fast by these like laws, feeling that it would be impiety for you to transgress them.
Translated by W. A. Oldfather
The Scripture
Matthew 7:24-25, KJVTherefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
The move
Write three laws. Begin each with "I will always" or "I will never." Make them specific. Live by them for seven days without renegotiating.