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7️⃣ The 7-Year Rule: Long-Term Thinking For Lifelong Happiness
Published 5 days ago • 5 min read
Hey Reader,
Welcome back to Living Better—your trusted guide to finding peace, purpose, and happiness in our fast-paced world.
Have you ever noticed how life seems to shift in significant ways every seven years?
From career changes to personal growth, the seven-year cycle is a fascinating concept that suggests we undergo major transformations in roughly seven-year intervals.
It’s like a natural rhythm that guides our evolution, urging us to reassess, realign, and reinvent ourselves.
"Change is the only constant in life."
- Heraclitus
The 7-Year Rule: A Cycle Of Growth & Change
The idea behind the 7-Year Rule is that our lives follow a pattern of change every seven years.
Whether it’s your career, relationships, or personal development, these cycles often bring new opportunities and challenges that shape who you are and where you’re headed.
It’s not just about age; it’s about stages—each cycle marks a transition into a new phase of life, where growth and adaptation are key.
Understanding the 7-Year Rule can help you anticipate and embrace these cycles of change rather than resist them.
It’s about thinking long-term and recognizing that each stage of life brings its own set of goals, challenges, and rewards.
By planning for these natural shifts, you can align your actions with your aspirations, ensuring that you’re not just surviving but thriving through each phase.
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Take a moment to look back on your life in seven-year intervals. What major changes occurred? How did you grow? Use this reflection to identify patterns and prepare for the next cycle.
Example: If you’re 28, think about what happened between 21-28, 14-21, and 7-14. What lessons can you carry forward?
2. Set 7-Year Goals
Think long-term by setting goals that reflect where you want to be in the next seven years. These goals should be broad enough to adapt as you grow but specific enough to guide your actions.
Example: Instead of just aiming for career success, think about where you want to be in your career, relationships, and personal life by your next seven-year milestone.
3. Embrace Change
Recognize that change is not just inevitable but essential for growth. Use the 7-Year Rule to remind yourself that every cycle is an opportunity to evolve and align more closely with your true self.
Example: If you’re feeling stuck, consider that you might be at the end of a cycle—use this time to explore new paths and possibilities.
4. Re-Evaluate Regularly
Every few years, take stock of where you are and where you want to go. Adjust your goals and strategies to reflect on the person you’re becoming, not just who you’ve been.
Example: Create a ritual every seven years to review your life’s direction—celebrate your progress and set intentions for the next phase.
Community Spotlight
Dive into heartwarming stories and inspiring journeys from fellow Living Better members! This week, we're highlighting Spring's touching story:
"My heart was warmed at Wal-Mart during lunch. This gentleman's items were scanned and he was given the total. He looks apologetically back at me and starts taking handfuls of change out of his pockets.
He miscounts and starts to get flustered, then gives me a muttered, 'I'm so sorry.' His hands and voice are shaking.
This beautiful cashier takes his hands and dumps all the change on the counter and says, 'This is not a problem, honey. We will do this together.'
He continues to apologize to both of us as we reassure him it's okay. They get his transaction handled and he shuffles away.
I looked at this wonderful woman and said, 'Thank you for being so patient with him.' She shakes her head and replies, 'You shouldn't have to thank me, baby. What's wrong with our world is we've forgotten how to love one another.'
I want to be more like her."
- Spring Herbison Bowlin, Living Better subscriber
The 7-Year Rule is a powerful tool for long-term thinking and personal growth. By acknowledging and planning for these natural cycles of change, you can turn life’s transitions into opportunities for reinvention and happiness.
Remember, life is not a straight line but a series of cycles—each one offering a chance to grow, adapt, and thrive. Embrace the rhythm, plan for the future, and watch as your life unfolds in extraordinary ways.
5X Entrepreneur, 6 X Bestselling Author, Top 1% Podcast Host
Ready to reach your full potential in life and leadership? Join 80,000+ subscribers who follow my weekly and monthly newsletters. I am a serial entrepreneur, the #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of six books and host of a top 1% podcast on leadership, and personal growth. My passion is sharing ideas that help people and organizations grow.
Designer, bestselling author, and founder of the School of Joy. I help people find more joy in life and work through design. Join more than 45,000 readers who receive our weekly treasure trove of science-backed tips, delightful discoveries, and inspiration for living a better life.
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